Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

Change and identity are the primary themes in the final chapters. The novel returns to the central mystery that plagued Ari before he met Dante: Who am I? Ari wishes he could have a more definite sense of self like Dante, but he is beginning to understand that everyone is constantly in a process of change. Aristotle’s relationships with Dante and his parents evolve dramatically. He finally acknowledges the nature of his love for Dante and accepts his attraction to him.

When Ari talks to Dante, he tells him why Bernardo ended up in prison and shares his worries that he is “like him […] because [he] broke Julian Enriquez’s nose” (332). Dante tells him that he isn’t like Bernardo at all. Ari says that he thinks he will never understand himself and wishes he could be more like Dante, telling him that he knows “exactly who [he is]” (333). Dante tells him that he doesn’t always know himself either.

Aristotle’s relationship with his parents deepens as he matures. His mother brings him a beer, and Ari wonders if it is a trick. As they sit at the table sharing beers, Ari’s father opens up about Vietnam, sobbing as he expresses his guilt for leaving a man named Louie behind during a skirmish in Vietnam. The conversation leads Mr. Mendoza to tell Ari that he thinks he in love with Dante. Ari says, “What am I going to do? I’m so ashamed”(349). His parents accept him completely and urge him to accept himself. His mother tells him that his Aunt Ophelia “taught [her] some things” and that he’s not alone (349).

After Mr. Mendoza tells Ari about Vietnam, Ari notices that his father seems younger: Mr. Mendoza’s guilt has been somewhat lifted after talking to Ari and his mother about what happened. Ari’s viewpoint on his father has completely changed from the first chapter. Just like the Carlos Santana shirt that his father gave him when he was younger, Ari has learned to appreciate his father. He tells Dante that he’s “changed [his] mind about [his] mom and dad.” Dante jokes: “You mean you’re crazy about them”; Ari replies, “Yeah, I guess so” (353-54).

Ari realizes that “everyone was always becoming someone else” (300). After he empathizes with his father’s enduring guilt because of Vietnam and his mother’s pain over Bernardo, he develops compassion for them. He sees that they all “lived [… in] that ecotone […] between hurting and healing” (335).

Ari’s self-awareness and self-acceptance are linked to his parents’ acceptance. In the final sentence of the novel, he states that he has no reason to be ashamed of loving Dante, completing his character arc as he overcomes these negative emotions. As the secrets and shame are lifted from the Mendoza family, Ari is able to love without fear. He is starting to understand that life is a process of constant learning and transformation. As he struggles to understand death, loss, and love, Ari realizes there is very little certainty in life, but it is becoming clear that love is life’s most important mystery and most important answer.