71 pages • 2 hours read
Sharon M. DraperNovember Blues
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2007A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Chapters 5-6Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Chapter 5 Summary: “Jericho Prescott, Thursday, April 1”
As Jericho searches for a book in his locker, his music teacher, Mr. Tambori, uses this as an opportunity to talk to the boy. The teacher reminds him that a few months have passed since Jericho last came for his trumpet lesson, and tells him that he is still holding a spot for him on Wednesdays. Jericho retorts that he no longer knows where his trumpet is, although Mr. Tambori does not believe him. He knows how much Jericho loved playing the trumpet: Jericho even named it Zora, and carried it with him everywhere. Jericho acknowledges that he threw the trumpet under his bed after Josh’s funeral, with no intention to ever play it again. He confesses that when he looks at his instrument, all he can think of is that Josh will never be able to hear music again. Even though Mr. Tambori tries to convince Jericho that he knows exactly how he feels, Jericho is sure that nobody knows how he feels.
Mr. Tambori asks Jericho not to blame himself, but Jericho holds himself accountable for what happened to Josh. He says that he cheered Josh on and watched him perform the deadly stunt, and that’s why he will never forgive himself for what happened. Mr. Tambori suggests that perhaps music will help Jericho’s wounds heal, and insists that they need his talent in both the jazz and marching bands. Jericho promises to think about it, but he acknowledges that he needs “more than music” (23). He thinks he might need a change and considers joining a football team.
Chapter 6 Summary: “Thursday, April 1”
While at school, Jericho tries to avoid talking to his teachers and peers and keeps “his grief bottled up inside him” (25). As he storms down the corridor that day, he notices his ex-girlfriend, Arielle Gresham. She is holding hands with Logan Holbrook, captain of the basketball team and an aspiring singer. In addition to being good-looking and talented, Logan also does not seem to have any money problems: just last year he donated $100 to the Warriors of Distinction club to buy gifts for people in need. When they pass each other in the corridor, Arielle looks directly at Jericho but pretends not to see him. Instead, she looks at Logan and whispers something into his ear, while pointing at Jericho, and the two begin to laugh. Although Arielle broke up with Jericho two months ago, right after Josh’s death, seeing her makes him even more upset. He pulls his hoodie over his head and continues walking down the hall.
Not paying attention to anything around him, he collides with a girl who is coming the opposite way. At first, he is angry at her, but then he realizes that the girl he hit is Olivia. He apologizes and says that he has a lot on his mind, that’s why he didn’t look where he was going. Olivia asks him if the people on his mind are Arielle and Logan. Jericho is surprised at her insightfulness. He admits to Olivia that Arielle uses every chance to express her contempt for him. Olivia assures Jericho that people like Arielle and Logan are “full of nothing” (26). Jericho asks Olivia how she knows so much, and Olivia explains that she just “sees stuff” (26). She jokes that she will be the one to remember everyone’s secrets at their high school reunion, although she realizes that she will probably not be invited anyway.
Sensing her insecurity, Jericho changes the subject and asks her if she is planning to play in the marching band again next year. Olivia wants to play in the band and asks Jericho if he will join her. He shares his plans to join the football team instead, explaining that he “needs to hurt something, hit something” (28). Olivia understands how he feels and Jericho is grateful to her for “knocking some sense” (28) into him.
Chapters 5-6 Analysis
In Chapter 5, the focus of the narration shifts from November to Jericho. As Jericho is grieving his cousin’s death, he abandons his favorite hobby: playing the trumpet. Despite Mr. Tambori’s efforts to convince Jericho that playing again can help him cope with his loss, the boy is determined that his trumpet will remind him even more that Josh is no longer here to listen to his music. This situation demonstrates the impact that the loss of a loved one can have on young people. For Jericho, playing the trumpet symbolizes going back to his previous lifestyle. Yet he realizes that he can’t return to his old life because Josh used to be such a big part of it that it wouldn’t be the same without him.
Jericho’s decision to switch to football demonstrates that he wants to run away from his true feelings and emotions, which likely made themselves shown when he played his favorite musical instrument.
When Josh accidentally collides with Olivia in the school corridor, he learns that she is very observant and kind. Jericho’s initial attitude towards Olivia is similar to that of November’s: he’s aware of her existence but never really talked to her. Both November and Jericho get a chance to get to know Olivia accidentally, and both of them are astonished at her insightfulness and wit. In this respect, Olivia symbolizes teenagers that are not considered popular by their peers because of their appearance or quietness, and whose kindness and helpfulness are often ignored or overlooked. Observant and caring, Olivia seems to be able to help both November and Jericho cope with their grief.
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By Sharon M. Draper
