An obvious power struggle in this novel is between Noel and Julius. Julius has always had power over Noel because of his high social status and because he is dating Fall, the most popular girl in school, who Noel also loves. Despite Julius having power of Noel, Julius is oblivious to what is going around him such as Noels advances towards and fantasies about Fall. Noel on the other hand, because he does not have Fall he becomes obsessed and tries to do whatever he can to get her attention. Noel attempts to become Julius because of his obsession and begins to wear Julius's clothes and even refer to himself as Julius around strangers. He tells himself that he is, if not better than, Julius. Despite his best efforts though Fall can easily see the difference and refuses to acknowledge Noels advances which eventually is believed to have lead to her disappearance and premature death.
The power struggle between two high school boys over a girl, originally seemed like a harmless game, but eventually lead to the assumed death of an innocent girl, the disfiguration of an innocent boy, and a futureless life for a boy who should have had his entire life ahead of him.
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