Paul And Luis In Tangerine By Edward Bloor

Everyone has someone in their life that helps them with problems and gives advice , that means they are a mentor. Sometimes you don’t realize they are there, but they are . That’s the same with stories, the characters in a story usually have a mentor that they look up to. In Edward Bloor’s novel Tangerine , Luis proves to be a mythological archetype the mentor by giving advice, acting as a conscience, and aiding Paul when needed. The first time Luis acted as a mentor is when he gives Paul advice about Erik. When Paul and Luis were in the groove, Luis knew Paul was scared of Erik. Luis says, “I wouldn't be. They’re punks… you shouldn’t be either” (Bloor 229). He’s trying to tell Paul to stand up to Erik . He also made it clear from his word choice that he is not a of of Erik and Arthur . It made Paul feel more comfortable, but also scared about Luis and Erik. After all, Erik is the reason Paul’s eyesight is imperfect . Luis also gives something to Paul when Paul was exhausted from working in the groove . Luis tries cooling him down by giving him a fresh tangerine . Paul states , “Then he tossed one to me” (172). This indicates that Luis cares about Paul’s health and suggests that Paul is worn out . Paul is very thankful for something as small as a tangerine ! Clearly Luis gives good advice and takes care of Paul .

After Luis passed away, Paul felt like a new person : “I feel like Luis is apart of me now” (252). At the end of the book , Paul stood up to the police and told them the truth about what happened . Paul exclaims , “ I stood straight up and faced them, like I had seen Luis do” (284) . Paul would have never stood up if Luis wasn’t there with him . Some readers may think Paul was over exaggerating but in the moment Bloor clearly reveals that Luis has became part of Paul’s conscience . All Paul had in his mind was what Luis would do is he was in Paul’s situation