The Subplot of the School Administration's Failure

The incompetence and hypocrisy of the school authorities.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Denver's Ineffectiveness

The Weak Principal The Confrontation Charlie easily manipulates Principal Denver, mocking him and forcing him to comply. Denver is unable to assert authority. The Aftermath Denver is reduced to a messenger for the police. Charlie's victory over him is complete. The Symbolism Denver represents the failure of the educational system to deal with troubled students.

Grace's Humiliation

The Broken Psychiatrist The Interrogation Charlie forces Don Grace to answer humiliating questions, breaking his professional composure. Grace sobs and pleads. The Aftermath Grace is reduced to a wreck. He walks across the lawn like an old man. His authority is destroyed. The Symbolism Grace represents the failure of psychiatry to understand or help Charlie.

During the hostage crisis

During the hostage crisis