Boy21

Throughout the novel, identity emerges as an integral aspect of Finley’s character development. As a coming-of-age novel, the book struggles with the differentiation between self-identity and external identity: that is, Finley constantly grapples with the idea that the person he shows to the rest of the world does not represent his true self. Russ also struggles with this concept, often feeling like two different people: “you’re not the person on the outside that you are on the inside” (216). A large portion of Russ and Finley’s friendship is built upon this belief in the chimerical nature of their identities.

However, the theme of identity most frequently manifests itself in the novel’s emphasis on names. In Bellmont, characters use names as a method of exerting control, usually over external forces, such as other people’s perceptions. In the beginning of the novel, Finley thinks that it is important for his audience to understand that people call him “White Rabbit,” a nickname that he despises. Similarly, it is important to Finley that Coach refuses to call him by this nickname, always referring to him with titular respect, although the reader is later led to believe that Coach might have used this alleged respect to manipulate Finley into helping Russ.