The Novel Looking for Alaska - Essay Example

The first half is about self-discovery, and can be aptly explained by Francois Rabelais’s last words, “I go to seek a Great Perhaps” (Green p.7). Whereas, the second half is about the coming-of-age, harsh realities of life, and learning new lessons as depicted, by  Simon Bolívar’s last words, “I ever get out of this labyrinth?" (Green p.19). Miles sees these famous last words as beacons of light and bases his decisions on them.

Green's characterization is brilliant, and suspense is maintained throughout the storyline. The fast-paced narration graphically unfolds that, there’s a constant tension amongst the main characters; Pudge leaves his home in Florida, to follow his dream of seeking a greater perhaps, and gets himself enrolled, at a school in Alabama. Where he befriends a bunch of teenagers with queer yet intriguing traits, including, Mile’s boisterous roommate Colonel (Chip), who ironically nicknamed him “Pudge” (Green p.14), talented Japanese rapper Takumi, Gorgeous Romanian Lara, and the heroine of the story, seductive, wild and sensitive yet perky, Alaska Young. This band of friends often gets into trouble for their mischievous demeanors, such as smoking and sneaking out, so there’s a mild tension sensed throughout the first half. Alaska’s mysterious self had Mild Halter mesmerized from the beginning, and she remains the object of his desire, Alaska too is subtly attracted to Miles, she believes that there’s more to life than what is known and can be experienced (Green p.54). Alaska is deeply affected by the death of her mother and holds herself responsible (Green p.80). There’s also an ongoing conflict between Pudge, his friends, and their rival gang “The weekday warriors”, Pudge’s friends stand up for him against their hostile behavior (Green p.71), Mile’s bond of friendship and his fascination with Alaska grows stronger with time (Green p.218).  The ideals of friendship, trust, love, and affection are tested, and all intertwine with tales of betrayal, self-destruction, sadness, guilt, and eventually, death, creating a plethora of emotions (Green p.49-52).

            The final half is a series of reactions generated by events that encapsulated the first, there is a countdown of emotional turmoil, leading to the tragic death of Alaska, which leaves an indelible impact upon Pudge’s collective and individual psyche. The story is stated through first-person narration, through Mile’s perspective, the Miles' school year is comprised of exactly 136 days before and after Alaska's death (Green p.82). Mile’s darkly comic narration and introspect keep the audience drawn till the end and the laid back, easy syntax style, and the way the information is withheld, adds to the suspense and thrill. Mile’s journey starts with being an outcast, who is in search of a great perhaps, and after he breaks down all the barriers and steps out of his comfort zone, he finds out ways to fight his demons and, escape his life’s labyrinth (Green p.218).

            In short, the novel is an intriguing read, and full of wit, dark humor, and literary references, which keeps the audience’s curiosity going; it raises questions about the value of true love and friendship. Mile’s inner self is constantly at war with the world outside. He and Alaska share an intimate moment but death snatches her away (Green p.212-213); it is a dividing line, which made Mile and his friends realize the value of life. Mile can overcome his grief; he is finally, at peace with his inside (Green p. 216). He writes a paper at the end, which depicts, that hope lifts him out of his labyrinth of guilt and grief, and he gets closer to catching a glimpse of his great perhaps (Green p.220-221).