Diving Deep into <em>Tangerine</em>: More Than Just a Sunny Locale

Diving Deep into Tangerine: More Than Just a Sunny Locale

Edward Bloor’s Tangerine isn’t just another young adult novel; it’s a story where the setting itself is practically a character. Published back in 1997, this book uses Tangerine County, Florida, as more than just a backdrop. It’s the very foundation upon which the story of Paul Fisher—and his journey of self-discovery—is built.

Think of it this way: the place is the story, in many ways.

A Tale of Two Worlds: The ‘Burbs vs. Real Life

The real genius of Tangerine lies in how Bloor contrasts two very different communities: the pristine, master-planned Lake Windsor Downs, and the more gritty, authentic town of Tangerine. This contrast isn’t just about geography; it’s about social class, values, and what it means to find your place in the world.

• Lake Windsor Downs: Picture this: perfectly manicured lawns, identical houses, and an overwhelming sense of… well, artificiality. This is Lake Windsor Downs. It’s the kind of place where everything looks perfect on the surface, but scratch a little, and you find all sorts of problems.

  • The houses? Carbon copies. It’s like the developers just picked names from the British royal family and slapped them on cookie-cutter homes. Individuality? Not so much.
  • And the environmental issues? Oh, boy. That’s where things get interesting. Muck fires smoldering underground, releasing toxic smoke? Check. Termite infestations requiring houses to be tented and fumigated? Double-check. Lightning strikes that feel like a daily occurrence? You bet. It’s as if the land itself is rebelling against this artificial paradise.
  • Let’s not forget the unspoken rules. Lake Windsor Downs is pretty homogenous, and let’s just say they don’t exactly roll out the welcome wagon for those who are different.

• The Town of Tangerine: Now, Tangerine is a different beast altogether. This is where you find the real heart of the community.

  • It’s an older, working-class town, where the citrus industry—especially those tangerine groves—is the lifeblood.
  • Tangerine Middle School reflects this diversity. You’ve got kids from all walks of life, different races, different backgrounds, all learning together. It’s a melting pot in the truest sense of the word.
  • And the Cruz family’s tangerine farm? That’s where the values of hard work, community, and a deep connection to the land really shine.

When Nature Bites Back: Environment as a Symbol

Bloor is a master of using the environment to mirror what’s going on inside the characters and within the larger community. Those muck fires, sinkholes, and lightning strikes? They’re not just random acts of nature; they’re symbols of the hidden dangers and simmering tensions that lie beneath the surface of places like Lake Windsor Downs. And the destruction of those tangerine groves to make way for more housing developments? That’s a powerful image of what happens when we prioritize profit over tradition, community, and our connection to the natural world.

Paul’s Journey: Seeing the World Anew

Paul Fisher, with his visually impairment, is in some ways, the perfect lens through which to view this story. He’s an outsider, yes, but his impaired vision almost gives him a clearer perspective on things. He “sees” the truths that others, blinded by their own biases and preconceptions, miss entirely.

• At first, Lake Windsor Downs is just another place where Paul feels like an outsider. He’s constantly in the shadow of his older brother, Erik, and feels invisible to his parents.
• But when he transfers to Tangerine Middle School? Everything changes. He finds acceptance, friendship, and a sense of belonging he’s never experienced before.
• And working with the Cruz family in those tangerine groves? That’s where he really comes into his own. He connects with nature, learns the value of hard work, and discovers a sense of purpose.

The Tangy Truth: Why Tangerines Matter

Even the tangerines themselves carry a deeper meaning. Luis Cruz is even trying to develop a new variety called the Golden Dawn! Those groves represent authenticity, hard work, and the potential for growth and renewal. On the flip side, the image of those tangerine trees being burned? It’s a stark reminder of what we lose when we sacrifice the natural world for the sake of progress.

Beyond the Groves: Other Key Locations

• Houston, Texas: This is where the Fisher family came from, and it represents Paul’s past—including the unresolved trauma surrounding his vision.
• Lake Windsor Middle School: Paul’s first school in Florida, before, you know, the whole sinkhole situation.
• Tangerine Middle School: The place where Paul finally finds his footing, thanks to soccer and some great friends.
• St. Anthony’s Catholic School: Where Paul ends up after getting expelled from Tangerine Middle School.

In short, the setting of Tangerine is so much more than just a place. It’s a living, breathing character that shapes the story, challenges the characters, and forces them to confront some pretty tough questions about themselves and the world around them. It’s a story that stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page.