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 Kwame Alexander's The Crossover, the theme that "Change is a part of all relationships" is poignantly illustrated through dialogue, specific events, and vivid descriptive details. One of the most telling aspects of the text is the dialogue between the twin brothers, Josh and Jordan. Initially, their banter is full of camaraderie and competition, reflecting a tight-knit bond. However, as Jordan becomes more absorbed in his own interests, particularly basketball and a new girlfriend, Josh expresses feelings of alienation. This shift is epitomized when Josh says, “It’s hard to be alone when you’re always in a crowd.” This line encapsulates how the evolution of their relationship causes Josh to feel increasingly isolated, illustrating that change often brings both growth and distance.

Key events throughout the story serve as pivotal moments that reveal these shifts. The basketball game where Josh and Jordan play together showcases their brotherly connection, but it quickly transforms as tensions rise after a disagreement. This moment symbolizes the turning point in their relationship, as their once-playful rivalry begins to strain their bond. Furthermore, the contrasting events of their father’s health scare introduce dramatic changes, resulting in feelings of vulnerability and the need for unity. In this way, the author conveys that significant life events can alter relationships irrevocably, forcing individuals to adapt to new dynamics.

Alexander's use of descriptive details also enriches the theme of change. For instance, he writes about the brothers reminiscing about their "Just Us" time that starkly contrasts with their present situation. Phrases like “the way our laughter once danced in sync” evoke nostalgia, highlighting how relationships can transform from joyous connection to painful separation over time. These carefully crafted moments emphasize that while change is often difficult, it is an inevitable part of growing up and evolving within relationships. Through dialogue, key events, and evocative descriptions, Kwame Alexander masterfully communicates that change, though challenging, is an inherent aspect of all relationships.