Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2012

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Download PDF

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.