Nic as a symbol of the effects of drug addiction
Nic is a perfect illustration of what drug addiction can do to an individual. Nick starts abusing drugs early, and he loses direction in life. For instance, Nick stops concentrating on his studies and co-curricular activities. Instead, Nic is busy looking for drugs. Nic's behavior troubles his father, who is determined to make him change for the better.
The symbolism of parenting
Parenting is symbolized by Sheff’s persistence to be close to his addicted son and help him recover from the addiction. Despite Nic refusing to accept that he uses drugs, his father forces him to go to a rehabilitation center. Unfortunately, Nic does not recover and often goes back to abusing drugs. As a parent, Sheff does not give up because he believes that he will soon recover by showing love to his son.
Divorce as a symbol of instability in children’s lives
Nic’s problems started when his parents divorced. Sheff thinks that he did not get closer enough to his son, which prompted him to abuse drugs at an early age. However, the author uses divorce to symbolize the problems children go through when their parents separate. Even after the separation, the children need warmth and support from both parents to grow up healthy and productive.
