Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2012

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Before You Read

Summary

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Chapters 1-6

Part 1, Chapters 7-12

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4, Chapters 1-15

Part 4, Chapters 16-31

Part 5

Part 6, Chapters 1-10

Part 6, Chapters 11-21

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Part 1, Chapters 7-12Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Chapter 7 Summary

Dante sees Ari’s room and notes that “there’s nothing in [it]” (34). Ari says he doubts the existence of God; Dante thinks it’s smart to doubt. As Dante expresses his shame over his intelligence, Ari realizes that he “really, really like[s] him” (35).

Part 1, Chapter 8 Summary

Ari learns that his father studied art before he went to the Marines. He always thought of him as “an ex-Marine mailman who didn’t like to talk much” and is surprised by his father’s artistic side (35).

Part 1, Chapter 9 Summary

Dante tells Ari he doesn’t understand why Mexican people use nicknames. Ari asks him, “It bothers you that you’re Mexican, doesn’t it?” (39-40). Dante admits that it does, adding that he is disliked by Mexican people.