When It Happens

When It Happens
Archetypal Journey

In the fascinating book, "When It Happens," by Susane Colasanti, one of the protagonist Tobey, is going on an archetypal journey, specifically for loss of innocence. He's gets impacted by others around him in a positive and negative ways. Although I am not yet done with the book, I can still predict how different he would be after his journey ended.

Based on the story, Tobey's more like the class slacker, rock-star wannabe until Sara, his crush, gets near him. When he's with other girls, even Cynthia (sexy kind of slut?), it's no big deal to handle them. But once he sees Sara, his eyes would sparkle and he wouldn't even been able to speak. He starts to realize what's true love even though he is lacking the courage to speak it out loud. During his journey, he is starting to loose his innocence but in a he-will-mature way. Sara is the positive person that has affected him the most because it was her that forces him to think back at all the crazy things he had been doing. She is the person that gets him to mature. Dave is probably the negative person that has been constantly impacting him because he asked Sara out before him, but he could also be a positive factor because he forced Tobey to realize that he should step up and not be a wimp.

Later on in the story, like most stories, I can infer that Tobey will start to display more courage to get the girl she wants. He will learn that if he doesn't take the steps now, he will no longer have any to take. His journey will cause him to mature and become more like a hero. Living in the real world, we also have to be brave enough to take the first step or else once the right timing is gone, there will be no other chances.

In conclusion, these interpretation shows Tobey's emotional journey. He is starting to mature because of the negative factors and is motivated by the positive factors. He's becoming more like a different man and will become so after his journey is accomplished.