Looking For Alaska

Blog 2

This blog on the book “Looking for Alaska” will discuss the complexity of the main characters, Alaska Young, Mile Halter (aka “Pudge”) and Miles’ roommate, Chip – focusing on what each character wants and desires.

Alaska Young – Alaska is a young, gorgeous, energetic and troubled teen who takes the world by storm and lives by seizing the moment.  She captures the heart of Miles Young and his heart is broken by her mysterious death.  Alaska may be considered a trouble maker by some, but she is an exciting character that encourages other people to join in her exciting life.  Alaska wants to live life to the fullest.  She wants everything now and doesn’t consider the consequences which can cause other people to dislike her and become jealous.

The big question of the story is whether Alaska committed suicide or was in an accident. 

Miles Halter – Miles on the other hand, is a conservative, careful teen who doesn’t believe in taking chances, until he meets Alaska Young.  Miles never fit in with his home town and he is somewhat nerdy and unsocial.  When he starts Culver Creek Boarding School, Alaska captures his heart and his spirit for life.  His favorite poem is written by Francios Rabelais called the “Great Perhaps”.  Instead of waiting for the “Great Perhaps” he begins to focus on life as a “Great Experience”.

Chip – Chip has been at Culver Creek Boarding School for a long time and he is also a somewhat nerdy character.  When not at school, Chip resides in his mother’s trailer.  Chip, too, wants to experience life and he doesn’t want to end up like his mother.  Chip, as well as most of the school characters, develops a crush on Alaska and wants to find out why she died.  He also is a good friend of Miles’ and the two develop a stronger, deeper friendship, discovering who they are while growing up.