In The Crossover, Kwame Alexander explores the theme "Change is a part of all relationships. Write a 300-word response analyzing how the author uses dialogue, specific events, and descriptive details to communicate this theme.

Question

To help you write your response, think about moments in the story when the characters' words, actions, or feelings show how relationships change over time. Then, respond to these guiding questions:

Dialogue: What do the characters say to each other, and how do their words help us understand the lesson or message Kwame Alexander is sharing?
Specific Events: What are some key moments in the story? How do these events reveal the theme of change in relationships?
Descriptive Details: What specific words or phrases does the author use to describe people or moments? How do these details connect to the idea that change happens in relationships?
Make sure to use quotes and examples from the novel to support your ideas.

Answer 1

In "The Crossover," Kwame Alexander skillfully articulates the theme that "Change is a part of all relationships" through a combination of dialogue, pivotal events, and vivid descriptive details. The evolving dynamics between the twin brothers, Josh and Jordan, exemplify this theme, illustrating how bonds can transform over time due to external pressures and personal growth.

The dialogue throughout the novel serves as a powerful vehicle for expressing the characters’ shifting relationships. For instance, the brothers initially share a deep, unbreakable bond, often communicating through playful banter and basketball metaphors. However, as they grow older, their conversations reveal underlying tensions. A poignant moment occurs when Josh expresses his feelings of betrayal over Jordan's budding relationship with a girl named Vicky, saying, “You don’t even care about us anymore.” This moment captures the painful transition from friendship to rivalry, showcasing how relationships can become fraught with jealousy and misunderstanding.

Key events in the narrative further underscore the theme of change. The turning point occurs during the season when their father falls ill. This circumstance forces Josh and Jordan to confront their fears and insecurities, altering their relationship dramatically. The pressure of their father's health drives them apart, yet it also becomes a catalyst for growth. Josh's internal dialogue reveals his feelings of isolation, saying, "Sometimes I wish I could be a shadow," emphasizing how drastic life changes can impact one's sense of belonging.

Alexander’s use of descriptive language also enhances this theme. He often juxtaposes vibrant imagery of basketball with somber reflections on family and change. Phrases like "the sound of sneakers squeaking on the court" imbue scenes with life but are often tinged with a sense of nostalgia as Josh remembers the carefree days with his brother before their relationship evolved. Such details connect the theme of change to the emotional landscape of the characters, illustrating that while relationships may shift, they are integral to personal growth and understanding.

Through thoughtful dialogue, significant events, and evocative descriptions, Kwame Alexander masterfully conveys that change is an inevitable aspect of relationships, ultimately shaping who we are and how we connect with others.