This essay analyzes three key aspects of Jerry Spinelli's novel Crash. It examines the qualities that make Penn a good friend — particularly his patience and generosity toward Crash despite constant teasing — and identifies the behaviors that make Crash a bully, including pranks and ridicule aimed at Penn and his family. The essay then traces Crash's character development from a stereotypical, materialistic jock at the beginning of the story to a more mature and empathetic individual by the end, a transformation driven largely by his grandfather's death and his deepening friendship with Penn.
Kids can be spoiled and materialistic without ever really realizing it. In Crash, Penn is a Quaker who lives a relatively simple lifestyle, which also sets him apart from the other kids. This difference makes Penn a frequent target for teasing and criticism, and nobody teases him more than his neighbor Crash. Crash is constantly pulling pranks or making fun of Penn in one way or another.
Despite the constant harassment that is common among kids his age, Penn does not become defensive as many children would. Even though he dislikes many of the pranks being pulled on him, he still tolerates them and keeps a good attitude. He also continues to do kind things for Crash even when Crash does not return the sentiment. For example, Penn invites Crash over for a family dinner even though Penn gets made fun of for nearly everything, including being a vegetarian. This willingness to remain generous and good-natured in the face of mistreatment is what makes Penn a genuinely good friend.
Crash is a bully in nearly every sense of the word. He is constantly pulling pranks on Penn throughout the duration of the book. For example, when Penn first moves near Crash, Crash rips the buttons off Penn's shirt and buries them. He also takes Penn's pet turtle for a bike ride, which does not please Penn at all.
Crash also makes fun of Penn and his whole family for being vegetarians — in fact, Penn did not even know what a vegetarian was before Crash mocked him for it. The entire story is filled with such incidents, and they are presented in a way that clearly frames Crash as a bully, particularly in the earlier portions of the novel.
"Crash matures after grandfather's death and befriends Penn"
Always verify citation format against your institution’s current style guide requirements.