Eleanor and Park's Relationship

            There are many different types of teenage love. Most teens think of love as "amazing", or "fun."But sometimes its overwhelming. The book, "Eleanor and Park", by Rainbow Rowell, isn't so much a "love story", but more like a "confusing love story..."This book is about two misfits who find each other, and are brave enough to come together. Although they enjoy each other's company, Eleanor and Park have a very complex relationship because they are not experienced in the matter, and find it a bit hard to create a relationship.

             At first, Eleanor and Park hated each other. Every time they saw each other, they glared and was not so sure who they were, "Park spent all day trying ti think of how to get away from the new girl. He'd have to switch seats, that was the only answer." This quote shows that at the beginning of the "relationship," park was trying to avoid Eleanor because she came across as "weird and crazy." But during the book, Park teaches himself to love those traits about her, "Who knew that he missed her fatness.  Her weirdness. The fact that she couldn't talk to him like a regular person. Whatever perversion caused him to like her, was the problem." This shows that even if she was weird and crazy, he realized that's what makes her different than the other girls.At this part, Park seems confused about what his feelings are towards her.

      

              Eleanor and Park's relationship is complex because they don't know what kind of relationship they have with each other. Eleanor seems to think she isn't good enough to be Park's girlfriend, and doesn't open up to him, "There were tears on her cheeks, 'it doesn't matter, I shouldn't be here, I'm going to embarrass you. I am going home.' 'No.' He pulled her closer. 'Calm down, okay?" This shows that Park is trying to become closer, but Eleanor keeps on drifting away and doesn't know how to deal with relationships, because lack of self esteem. Park makes her feel beautiful and special, but Eleanor doesn't notice that. Also to add on, "Okay.' She looked down at the turn table at her own reflection in the tinted acrylic lid. She looked like a fat- faced ghost. She closed her eyes, 'Why do you even like me?'' This quote shows that Eleanor is too insecure and feels like she is not as perfect as Park expects her to be. Eleanor always thinks she isn't good enough. But not only for park, but not good enough for herself.

              Relationships consist of many things, care, loyalty, love, effort, etc.  But, every relationship in high school isn't as easy as it looks. Eleanor and Park's relationship consists of all those things, except for effort. Both of these characters secretly love each other, but they do not know it yet. This happens in the real world, where teenagers get hurt because of love. High School isn't just for education, it is for learning to socialize with others, as well as get to know yourself better. This text makes teenagers wonder how you can not only respect others, but respect yourself.