Slight spoiler for the book, Forge, by Laurie Halse Anderson
As we've all grown up, we all had relationships with other people. It could've been romantic, a friendship, or maybe even a hateful one. What ever type of relationship it was, we all acted differently to these people. We could've also changed from these relationships. Well, in the book, Forge, by Laurie Halse Anderson, which as about a runaway, named Curzon, who joins the army after being separated by another runaway named Isabel. Throughout the story, he befriends young boy named Eben, meets a man named John Burns and another man named James Bellingham, and reunites with Isabel again. He treats to these people very differently, but at the same time these people change him in return.
When Curzon first meets Eben is when Eben is about to be shot by a British Soldier, but Curzon saves him. They soon meet again after a small battle and when Curzon finally officially signs up for the war. At first, he's very skeptical on Eben kindness, not speaking much to him. Since living as a prisoner and former slave, he's basically learned not to trust many people. Possibly that mentality impacted many of his relationships. But it seemed as if Eben didn't give up since he continued to try and talk to him. Soon Curzon warms up to Eben, so much that, when he caught Eben trying to steal a pumpkin; Curzon defended his actions by saying, "stealing from a thief is justice.''. Their friendship must be so well held together that he would defend Eben from stealing, when earlier, Curzon was cursing at himself at thinking of stealing from another.Finally, when Eben's uncle died from a fever and he confessed to Curzon that he punched his cousin after his cousin told him he had no right to cry over his uncle's death; Curzon told him a few of his secrets. Curzon always had a mentality of be careful of what you tell people and when. Eben and Curzon's friendship changed him by showing that he can still trust people even when he thinks he can't and by breaking Curzon out of his little bubble. That's a type of friendship I'm sure everyone thrives for.
While that's nice and all, Curzon didn't get along with everyone at army or in general. During his stay, he meets a man named John Burns who constantly berates him because of his skin color. At one point, Burns beats up Curzon in the snow and takes his boots. He also meets another man named, James Bellingham, a man who Curzon used to serve, but then was freed. He gets kidnapped by Bellingham and says that he owns him now. Curzon acts very similar to both of them. He's always angry and filled with scorn to both of them. At one point, he thinks, "I will kill Bellingham." He must be filled with so much hatred that he would wish not only harm, but also death. These two people have changed Curzon by toughing him up. They basically say that he should not only let the hate get in between of your trust with other people, but he should still be wary of those who are against him.
Finally, when he's reunited with Isabel at Bellingham's place, Isabel always avoids him at first. Until Curzon says that he'll try and escape with Isabel without realizing that another person was overhearing them and Isabel calls him out on his hasty actions. Even though, Isabel still acts annoyed towards him, she still sticks by his side. It's not until she tries to escape but changes her mind as she realizes that they need to stick together. This relationship changes Curzon by showing him how sometimes he should think before he acts even in situations that require fast thinking. It also changes him by showing how Isabel and Curzon need to stick together and instead of arguing, they should work together to find freedom.
No matter who you are, you'll always act differently towards people. Also, whether or not you enjoy said person, you can't deny that the strongest or most powerful relationships can change you and teach you powerful lessons or realizations. That's why I really like Curzon as a character. You can see how he learns, grows and reacts to the people surrounding him. He seems really human and doesn't feel flat. He feels real and I can actually see him change based on the people he's around. That's why I love Forge. You can see how Curzon acts around Eben, Burns and Bellingham and Isabel, and how he changes around them.
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