Theme Of Where Is It Written By Adam Schwartz

“Where is it Written” by Adam Schwartz, is a story about a difficult relationship between Sam and his mother Sandra. First, Sam wanted his father to have full custody of him because he wanted to spend more time with him. Then, Sam remembers the conflicts he had with his mother. Finally, he realizes that his mother is not a bad person. Coming of age is in important theme in which an adolescent becomes mentally mature. Sam came of age because he realizes that he was wrong for being disrespectful to his mother, knowing she had problems. To begin, this story takes place in New Jersey. The author introduces the protagonist Sam, who is dealing with problems between him and his mother. His solution to this problem is to get his father to sue

Sam is indecisive because even though he wants his father to have full custody and doesn’t want his mother to call or speak to him while he’s there, he still tries to get his mother’s attention. The author states, “my mother usually met me inside the terminal… My mother wasn’t in when I arrived home… I was in tears by the time I was ready for bed” (pg. 85-86). This quote basically shows that at times he cares for his mother but other times he doesn’t want anything to do with her, which explains how Sam is indecisive. Another quote that also demonstrates how Sam is indecisive is when Sam says, “Mom I just don’t want to live here anymore, that’s all” (pg. 87). This quote demonstrates how Sam is indecisive because even though he is telling his mother that he doesn’t want to live with her anymore, he still respects her by speaking to her nicely. When he is speaking to her even though he is saying something that will break his mother’s heart he says it nicely because he doesn’t want his mother to be heartbroken because he still cares about his mother Sandra. Another adjective that describes Sam is caring. The author notes,” Then what are you saying? That I’m a failure as a mother? … No mom. You’re not a failure. Alright?” (pg.87). Basically, this quote is showing that Sam is caring because even though he had told his mom that he wants to live with his father, he is still respectful and caring to his

At Sam’s Bar Mitzvah when Sandra showed up uninvited after he told her not to come because I would’ve been awkward. Then, as Phyllis went to go and grab Sam for a family picture, Sandra slapped Phyllis’ hand. Then, Sandra hit Phyllis on the side of her head with her purse then lunged at her. They began to grab “…at each other’s hair and face. They teetered back and forth in their high heels” (pg.97). As Sam’s father came to help break up the fight. This is important because Sam runs away to the beach to get away from what was happening inside the Bar Mitzvah while Sandra was running right behind Sam, signaling him to stop. Sam talks about how he didn’t really want to swim but he just wants to “…close my eyes and drift, like a toy boat or a bottle” (pg.98). Sam explains, “I turned around, ready to shout, ‘Why can you be like everyone else!’ Then I saw how bad she looked.” (pg.98). This quote demonstrates that Sam is beginning to realize that his mother is helpless and that she would never