Coming of Age

Paul Giacomin is the perfect character to represent the coming of age theme and the author seems to create Paul's character with that theme in mind. Paul is an introverted teenager with the look of a neglected child. Spenser notes that Paul doesn't seem to know how to act in any situation. For example, he notes that Paul is uncomfortable carrying a gun but is also uncomfortable carrying a shovel. It's not really clear whether Paul doesn't want to be involved with anything or if he simply doesn't know how, as Spenser believes.

As time passes, Paul comes closer to his sixteenth birthday and becomes more self-assured, self-confident and healthier. There are indications of this through his actions. For example, as the story opens, Spenser asks Paul which of his parents he'd prefer to be with, and Paul refuses to make a decision. Later, Spenser buys...