Half Brother

The challenges of growing up are a central theme in Half Brother, explored through the experiences of the protagonist, Ben Tomlin, and the chimpanzee, Zan. Ben navigates the complexities of adolescence, family dynamics, and moral dilemmas, all while helping to raise Zan as part of a scientific experiment. Both Ben and Zan face significant challenges that test their character and shape their understanding of themselves and the world around them.

One of the main challenges Ben faces is adjusting to a new environment. At the novel's beginning, Ben's family moves from Toronto to Victoria, British Columbia, because of his father's new job. This move uproots Ben from his familiar surroundings and friends, forcing him to start in a new school where he struggles to fit in and establish his identity. The pressure to make new friends and gain acceptance is a common experience for many adolescents, and the novel captures Ben's anxiety and determination. Ben's desire to be accepted by his peers leads him to make choices that he later questions, like mimicking a chimpanzee in the cafeteria to establish himself as an alpha male, or his many interactions with Jennifer. Ben constantly struggles with frustration as he tries to find his place. However, Ben's anger and difficulties controlling his emotions make fitting in more challenging. Eventually, Ben gives up trying to be the "alpha male" and stops interacting with anyone socially. Later, with more growth and perspective, Ben starts interacting again, but this time without trying to fit a specific role. Likewise, Ben realizes his desire to control others is counterproductive and instead focuses on himself, offering a key difference from his father. Ben's struggle to find his place in a new environment highlights the difficulty of navigating social dynamics during adolescence.

The introduction of Zan into Ben's life adds another layer of complexity to his coming-of-age journey. Initially, Ben is skeptical and somewhat resentful of the experiment, feeling that it disrupts his already turbulent life. However, as he bonds with Zan, he sees the chimpanzee as more than just a research subject. This relationship challenges Ben to think deeply about empathy, ethics, and responsibility. Raising Zan requires patience, understanding, and a sense of duty—qualities that Ben must develop as he matures. Likewise, Ben's view of Zan evolves as the experiment goes on. Early on, Ben shares Richard's views that Zan is better off in the experiment than in the wild. However, as the experiment continues, Ben increasingly realizes the disservice the family has done to Zan. Ben shifts from demanding the Tomlins keep Zan forever to hoping Zan forgets about them. The responsibility of caring for Zan forces Ben to grow up quickly, balancing his own needs and desires with the well-being of the chimpanzee.

Ben's relationship with his parents, particularly his father, is another significant aspect of his journey toward adulthood. Richard Tomlin, Ben's father, is a stern and demanding figure. Richard's need for control creates tension between him and Ben, as Ben feels neglected and misunderstood. Richard's rigid expectations and lack of emotional support make it difficult for Ben to express his feelings and assert his independence. Throughout the novel, Ben grapples with the desire to earn his father's approval while also seeking to define his own values and beliefs. Eventually, both characters grow, with Richard relinquishing some control and Ben offering forgiveness. While Ben still respects Richard, Ben realizes that his father can be wrong. Ben's struggles with Richard are a crucial part of Ben's growth, as he learns to stand up for what he believes is right, even when it means going against his father's wishes.

Zan also struggles with growing up in the novel. Initially, Zan is compliant and easy to care for. Gradually, however, he begins to assert himself. Like Ben, Zan struggles to control his emotions, attacking people and throwing tantrums when he does not get his way. When placed in a new environment, specifically Helson's Ranch, Zan struggles with communicating with others. As he gets older, Zan becomes more insistent on his wants, forming his own opinions rather than just going along with those around him. However, while this is a critical part of growing up for any species, for Zan, this behavior makes him dangerous to the humans around him.

Zan's challenges in growing up parallel Ben's struggles. Both characters face identity crises, social integration issues, and ethical dilemmas. Zan's inability to fit in with either chimpanzees or humans mirrors Ben's struggle to find his place in a new school and within his family. Both must navigate the expectations placed on them by others while trying to understand their own identities.

Half Brother vividly illustrates the challenges of growing up through the experiences of both Ben and Zan. Through their relationship and evolving understanding of right and wrong, Ben and Zan ultimately emerge as more mature and self-aware individuals, embodying the difficult but essential process of growing up.