ntrast to those of the other two boys in large part precisely because he is older and able to make that decision and take that action. The other boys' youth puts them in a position where they are not in control of their lives, but under the control of their elders. James and Jackie are led into their initiations by their mother and sister, respectively. James expects a harsh experience as he heads for the dentist, only to discover far more broad lessons about life in general. Jackie expects the worst as he is taken by his sister to confession, only to find an experience far sweeter than his sister had portrayed.
Because he has more control over his own destiny, and because he takes an active role in forming that destiny, Sammy goes through a coming of age experience more compelling than do James and Jackie. It is far more likely that we can guess the life Sammy will experience than we can the lives awaiting James and Jackie. Sammy is far more knowing than the other two, and his decision and act of protest, and his internal analysis of his decision and actio
...