Escaping Erik’s Shadow: How a Brother’s Cruelty Shaped Paul in <em>Tangerine</em>

Escaping Erik’s Shadow: How a Brother’s Cruelty Shaped Paul in Tangerine

Edward Bloor’s Tangerine? It’s not just about moving to sunny Florida. It’s a gut-wrenching story about finding yourself, facing the truth, and how one person’s cruelty can mess up your whole world. And let’s be real, the relationship between Paul Fisher and his older brother, Erik, is at the heart of it all. Erik, driven by ego and a seriously messed-up sense of right and wrong, casts this huge, dark shadow over Paul’s life. It shapes everything – his fears, his insecurities, and, in the end, his journey to figure out who he really is.

Right from the start, Erik’s the king of the Fisher household. Mr. Fisher? Totally obsessed with the “Erik Fisher Football Dream.” It’s like Erik can do no wrong. This favoritism creates a seriously toxic vibe where Erik gets away with everything, while Paul? He’s just…there. Paul’s got impaired vision, and everyone keeps reminding him he’s different. He eats it all up, feeling like he’s not good enough and scared stiff of his brother.

So, how exactly does Erik screw up Paul’s life? Let’s break it down:

The Lie That Stole His Sight: This is huge. For years, Paul thinks he went blind staring at a solar eclipse. But the truth? Way darker. Erik, with his buddy Vincent Castor, straight-up sprayed paint into Paul’s eyes. Can you believe it? This wasn’t just a mistake; it was violence, plain and simple. And the cover-up? His parents let it happen! It robs Paul of his sight, sure, but it also destroys his trust. It’s like the whole family is built on this foundation of lies. Paul’s blurry vision? It’s a symbol of his messed-up past and all the lies he’s been forced to swallow. Funny thing is, even with his bad eyes, Paul’s the one who sees things as they really are.

Living in Fear: Erik’s not just a one-time offender. He’s a full-blown bully, inside and out. Paul’s always walking on eggshells, terrified of what Erik might do next. This fear? It paralyzes him. He can’t stand up for himself, can’t stand up for anyone. He sees Erik’s rage, his manipulations, and he knows there’s something seriously wrong with his brother. This constant fear? It makes Paul shy, hesitant, and keeps him from speaking his mind.

The Football Dream (Nightmare): Everything’s about Erik’s football career. Paul’s achievements? His interests? They don’t even register. It’s like he’s invisible. This neglect makes him feel worthless, like he can’t be himself. He’s stuck in Erik’s shadow, trapped in a story that’s already been written for him. I remember feeling like that once, like I was just an extra in someone else’s movie. It’s not a good feeling.

Collateral Damage: Erik’s actions don’t just hurt Paul; they mess up his relationships with everyone else. When Erik assaults Tino Cruz, it puts a strain on Paul’s friendships and causes trouble in the community. Paul’s stuck in the middle, forced to choose between his brother and what’s right. It’s just more drama, more isolation.

But here’s the thing: Erik’s awfulness, in a weird way, sets Paul up for his own rescue. As Paul starts questioning the official story and seeing Erik’s true colors, he starts getting angry. His experiences at Tangerine Middle School, where he finally finds friends and a place on the soccer team, give him the strength to face his fears and call Erik out.

The death of Luis Cruz, a direct result of Erik’s choices, is the turning point. Seeing the devastation Erik leaves behind, Paul finally finds the guts to speak up. He exposes Erik’s crimes, and the “Erik Fisher Football Dream” comes crashing down.

So, yeah, Erik’s impact on Paul in Tangerine is huge. He’s the reason for Paul’s fears, but he’s also the reason Paul finally breaks free. By facing the truth about his brother and his family’s lies, Paul reclaims his past, finds his voice, and steps out of the shadow. He becomes the star of his own show. The novel? It’s a powerful reminder that family can mess you up, but facing those hard truths? That’s how you find yourself.