Theo's Internal Conflict: Addiction and Morality

The Goldfinch

Theo's struggle with drug addiction and his moral choices.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

First Use of Painkillers First Use of Painkillers from "The Goldfinch". The Escape Discovering Pills Theo finds his father's OxyContin. He takes one to numb his grief. Regular Use Soon he is using daily. He feels calm and detached.

First Use of Painkillers from "The Goldfinch". The Escape Discovering Pills Theo finds his father's OxyContin. He takes one to numb his grief. Regular Use Soon he is using daily. He feels calm and detached.

The Escape Discovering Pills Theo finds his father's OxyContin. He takes one to numb his grief. Regular Use Soon he is using daily. He feels calm and detached. Denial Theo tells himself he can stop anytime. He doesn't see it as a problem.

Addiction in New York Addiction in New York from "The Goldfinch". A Hidden Habit Buying on the Street Theo buys pills from dealers. He spends thousands of dollars.

Addiction in New York from "The Goldfinch". A Hidden Habit Buying on the Street Theo buys pills from dealers. He spends thousands of dollars.

A Hidden Habit Buying on the Street Theo buys pills from dealers. He spends thousands of dollars. Functioning Addict He maintains his business and relationships. No one suspects. Near Overdose He overdoses once and wakes up on the bathroom floor. He hides it from Hobie.

Quitting After Amsterdam Quitting After Amsterdam from "The Goldfinch". The Turning Point Flushing the Drugs After the shootout, Theo flushes his remaining heroin. He decides to live. Sobriety He stops using.

Quitting After Amsterdam from "The Goldfinch". The Turning Point Flushing the Drugs After the shootout, Theo flushes his remaining heroin. He decides to live. Sobriety He stops using.

The Turning Point Flushing the Drugs After the shootout, Theo flushes his remaining heroin. He decides to live. Sobriety He stops using. He travels to buy back fraudulent furniture, keeping busy. Ongoing Struggle Theo knows he is an addict. He takes it one day at a time.

In Las Vegas

Years later

Christmas morning