The Other

As the book continues, more is divulged about the complex character of John Williams. In one instance we see his quirks through the context of a paper that he was required to write for his Identity Crisis class on one of a few available choices. Although between the 3 very varied options a person could find something they wished to research and study, John Williams decided instead to write a forty-seven page paper on gnosticism. His teacher is quoted as saying, "All this gnosis, this very disturbing gnosis, this darkness and pessmism, this spiritual dread" (24). Here we can see how John's circumstances have caused him to take on an almost hopeless attitude in every aspect of his life. His over confidence to write a paper that was not even related to the required topics shows his conceitedness that he can do no wrong. This thought is struck down by his teacher when she writes on his paper, "While this is well done, you haven't followed the assignment... F" (24). Because Williams felt like he had leeway with his favorite teacher he assumed he was immune to any such criticism, showing how prideful he is.

John William's disturbances are made more clear further on in the book. He and Neil decided to climb a glaciated mountain without many provisions besides their candy bars and hash pipes. When the two came upon a huge crevasse without a way around, John Williams states, "Screw it. Let's die young" (26). This obviously dark way of thinking seems to foreshadow future events in John's life that may cause him to actually die young instead of just wish it. John's disturbed thought process continues when he responds to Neils desire to not jump with, "What if I'd rather be dead than not jump?... What would be the point of living?" (26). The way John Williams thinks really gives us glimpses into his painful life and how he prefers the idea of a glorious suicide than not taking a completely foolish risk.

Citation:

Guterson, David. The Other. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2008.