Third Grade Angels

The motif of the halo evolves throughout the novel, embodying different meanings for different characters. To Mrs. Simms, the halo symbolizes good behavior and moral integrity, representing the pinnacle of virtue to be earned through genuine acts of kindness. She contrasts this ideal with the relatively simple task of becoming an “angel” by merely reaching third grade, emphasizing the importance of earning the halo through sincere effort. As she tells her class, “‘Becoming an angel? Foof — that was easy. All you had to do was make it to third grade. But this’ — she jabbed the halo at us — ‘this… you have to work for. This… you have to earn’” (12). By contrasting the relatively effortless achievement of becoming a third-grade “angel” with the more challenging task of earning the halo that represents goodwill and kindness, Mrs. Simms emphasizes the importance of embracing genuine goodness over mere compliance with societal norms. This distinction highlights the novel’s central message that true virtue cannot be obtained through superficial actions or external validation but must stem from sincere intentions.

While Mrs. Simms advocates for sincere acts of kindness and moral integrity, Suds and his classmates initially prioritize performative gestures in pursuit of the halo.