The Beginning of Everything

Pity is like a spectator sport without the entertainment factor. The pitied are stared at by people who see only the tragedy, grateful and self-satisfied that they are not in the victim’s position. The personality of the person who suffered the tragedy is buried beneath “the tragedy,” even if the impact of the event is not as great as people assume. Not wanting to be constantly reminded of tragedies that might happen to them, friends shy away from the person, leading to further isolation. An example of this is Ezra’s reaction to Toby’s tragedy. Ezra is horrified by what happens to Toby and pities him, assuming that he is marked by this tragedy and destined to fade “into obscurity” (4). So, Ezra removes himself to a safe emotional distance from his best friend. However, even though he is bullied more than usual, Toby moves on with his life, blossoming into a popular, funny, and self-confident “nerd.” He explains to Ezra: “You act like that day at Disneyland was my big tragedy, but you’re the one who lost your best friend. You’re the one who started eating lunch with the popular jocks and forgot how to be awesome because you were too busy being cool” (270).