In at least 3-4 complete sentences, discuss how your feelings about the narrator Josh have developed over the course of this verse novel. Be sure to include at least 3 specific examples from the story in your answer. What was your initial impression of him? Describe what words or events, in which poems, shape your feelings about him. What, if anything, has changed your impression of him?
At the beginning of the verse novel, my initial impression of Josh was that he was a troubled and misunderstood teenager who had a lot of pent-up anger and frustration. This was evident in poems such as "Anger" where he describes his explosive emotions and inability to control them. However, as the novel progressed, my feelings towards Josh started to shift as I learned more about his struggles and vulnerabilities. In poems like "Invisible," Josh opens up about feeling lost and invisible even within his own family, which made me feel empathy towards him and understand his behavior better.
Another key moment that shaped my feelings towards Josh was in the poem "Apology," where he acknowledges his mistakes and shows remorse for his actions. This vulnerability and willingness to take responsibility for his actions humanized him in my eyes and made me see him in a more positive light. Lastly, the poem "Redemption" where Josh reflects on wanting to change and be a better person, further solidified my evolving feelings towards him. Overall, the journey of self-discovery and growth that Josh undergoes throughout the novel made me root for him and admire his resilience and determination to change for the better.