Daniel’s Search for a Self

The Sun is Also a Star

Daniel moves from performing the dutiful son’s role toward making a costly, imperfect choice about education, art, and self-direction.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Life Planned for Him A Life Planned for Him from "The Sun is Also a Star". The Doctor’s Track Parental Ambition Daniel’s family expects academic excellence, Yale, medical school, and a respected profession.

A Life Planned for Him from "The Sun is Also a Star". The Doctor’s Track Parental Ambition Daniel’s family expects academic excellence, Yale, medical school, and a respected profession.

The Doctor’s Track Parental Ambition Daniel’s family expects academic excellence, Yale, medical school, and a respected profession. Hidden Creative Life He writes poetry privately, unsure whether desire can justify abandoning a secure path.

The Interview Suit The Interview Suit from "The Sun is Also a Star". Looking the Part Prepared Appearance Daniel wears a tailored suit and bright red tie for the alumni interview.

The Interview Suit from "The Sun is Also a Star". Looking the Part Prepared Appearance Daniel wears a tailored suit and bright red tie for the alumni interview.

Looking the Part Prepared Appearance Daniel wears a tailored suit and bright red tie for the alumni interview. Inner Distance The clothing makes him look confident while he privately treats the interview as an obligation rather than a calling.

A Poet Seen A Poet Seen from "The Sun is Also a Star". Desire Spoken Aloud Art as a Possible Life Daniel describes wanting a large, meaningful life and refuses to treat poetry as automatically worthless.

A Poet Seen from "The Sun is Also a Star". Desire Spoken Aloud Art as a Possible Life Daniel describes wanting a large, meaningful life and refuses to treat poetry as automatically worthless.

Desire Spoken Aloud Art as a Possible Life Daniel describes wanting a large, meaningful life and refuses to treat poetry as automatically worthless. A New Mirror Natasha’s skepticism challenges him, but her attention helps him hear his own convictions more clearly.

The Interview Abandoned The Interview Abandoned from "The Sun is Also a Star". An Immediate Priority Leaving Yale Behind Daniel ends the interview early rather than spend more time discussing a future he does not want.

The Interview Abandoned from "The Sun is Also a Star". An Immediate Priority Leaving Yale Behind Daniel ends the interview early rather than spend more time discussing a future he does not want.

An Immediate Priority Leaving Yale Behind Daniel ends the interview early rather than spend more time discussing a future he does not want. Moral Urgency He chooses to reach Natasha before her departure, accepting that the choice may disappoint his parents.

Hunter College and English Hunter College and English from "The Sun is Also a Star". A Self-Chosen Route Practical Independence Daniel works two jobs and studies part-time at Hunter College instead of attending Yale.

Hunter College and English from "The Sun is Also a Star". A Self-Chosen Route Practical Independence Daniel works two jobs and studies part-time at Hunter College instead of attending Yale.

A Self-Chosen Route Practical Independence Daniel works two jobs and studies part-time at Hunter College instead of attending Yale. Poetry Continues His poems remain small and sad, but writing becomes an ongoing practice rather than a secret fantasy.

before the day of his Yale interview

early morning on the day he meets Natasha

midday, while he spends time walking with Natasha

late afternoon, after learning Natasha will be deported

the year after Natasha leaves