The significance of the Epigraphs are to convey Eric and Dylan's motive for the tragedy and to differentiate how the media categorized them as killers rather than humans. Dostoyevsky’s quote states, “...the greatest nastiness precisely lay in my being shamefully conscious every moment… (Dostoyevsky)” which holds the meaning that Eric and Dylan molded themselves around their insecurities. Moreover, the quote states “...frightening sparrows in vain, pleasing myself with it (Hemingway)” which signifies that the boys found themselves to feel empowered when they held the lives of their classmates in their hands. They did not do it to be cruel necessarily but to please themselves and fill their ego. Hemingway's quote holds the meaning that the world knocks us down and brings us to our lowest points which are the “broken places (Hemingway)” but what is important is growing or becoming “strong (Hemingway)” from our struggles. The community grew from this tragedy and exceeded the media's expectations for recovery. Cullen’s overall purpose was to have the readers recognize Eric and …show more content…
He wants to show that Columbine was an unexpected place where a shooting would occur do to the good people. Cullen tugs at the hearts of the readers when explaining the person in the title of the chapter. He opens with, “He told them he loved them (3)” and continues by stating “You could hear the fear in his voice (3)” and “...fight back tears… (3)”. Cullen uses pathos in order to show us the love Mr. DeAngelis has for his students similar to how a parent loves their child. Moreover, Cullen shows irony when he states “I want to see each and every one of your bright, smiling faces again Monday morning (4)” because he warns them to be safe and return to school, but four days later the student body experienced the tragedy killing various