In The First Part Last Analysis

Words: 660
Pages: 3

"Things have to change." In the First Part Last, written by Angela Johnson, the protagonist Bobby has to overcome his youthfulness and learn to grow. Something has to change. Bobby's girlfriend Nia is carrying their baby girl. She learns to grow along with Bobby and give him the strength to help raise the baby, Feather. For Bobby to grow he needs to find himself inside after all the change in his life and let some things go as well. That change needs to be found. There are several objects that deeply symbolize the change Bobby goes through while he struggles to come of age throughout the story.

To begin with, the red balloon that Bobby is given by Nia symbolizes her giving away all the dreams she has and providing love to Bobby as he is coming of age. In order for Bobby to become an adult he needs to find himself. This red balloon represents all the love Nia is giving to Bobby then he can share that love with Feather. Feather and Bobby share this love and connectivity. "Bobby, I've got something to tell you," Nia says this when she presents Bobby with the red balloon. The balloon brought the pregnancy, the love, and the
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A balloonist is what Nia wanted to become. Nia realizes by the state she was in, with the Eclampsia, that she had to grow beyond her dreams and learn to pass them down onto others, such as Bobby and Feather. "...just fly up high over everybody and that's what it feels like I'm doing now." Comfort was found for Nia in doing what she loves in the world, to fly alone. She passes her ambitions onto Bobby. Everything Nia gives up is for Bobby and Feather to have a better life. I believe Nia has come of age by giving up these things. Nia has grown. The hot air balloon symbolizes Nia's dreams in life and she gave it to Bobby to help him in growth, to come of age, before she