Essay: Me and Earl and the Dying Girl Anonymous 9th Grade

People are not always aware of the effect which their interactions may have on others. When an individual influences other persons, that individual may change those persons’ character traits and lives, and this influence may even affect how the individual lives his or her life. In Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews, Rachel, a girl who lives a normal life, affects Greg who is engaged to help her live her last months through her battle with Leukemia. Another character whom Rachel’s hospitalization affects is Earl, Greg’s close friend whom Greg engages to help brighten Rachel’s mood. Through their visits with Rachel in the hospital, Greg and Earl are changed as individuals. Rachel’s presence, life experiences and approach to life have a deep effect on Greg and Earl’s attitude, views and values. Andrews’ theme is revealed to the reader through these interactions.

As the first character in the book to be affected by Rachel’s hospitalization and the events relating to it, Greg personifies the author’s theme of change through interaction. Pertinent to a complete understanding of how Rachel changes Greg is Greg’s approach to the social anxiety which he experiences in high school. The reader can also see Greg’s interests...