The Stories Julian Tells

The last story, “Gloria Who Might Be My Best Friend,” offers a nuanced portrayal of Julian’s journey from loneliness and hesitation to friendship and self-discovery. Initially characterized by his loneliness at the start of the tale, as evident in his remark “And there aren’t any kids just my age” (58), Julian’s sense of isolation reveals his yearning for companionship. His hesitancy to make a female friend, rooted in the fear of being teased, along with his acute fear that Gloria might laugh at his failed cartwheel, demonstrates his vulnerability and the impact of societal expectation on his self-esteem. These reactions help define Julian as a sensitive character who deeply values acceptance and friendship.

Julian’s wishes serve as a revealing lens into his character, highlighting his desires and aspirations. They include:

1. I wish I could see the catalog cats.
2. I wish the fig tree would be the tallest in town.
3. I wish I’d be a great soccer player.
4. I wish I could ride in an airplane.
5. I wish Gloria would stay here and be my best friend (66).

Each wish suggests Julian’s imagination and dreams. From these wishes, readers learn details about Julian’s personality, including his interest in soccer and airplanes. His wishes not only deepen his characterization but also tie the various stories within The Stories Julian Tells together, enhancing the collection’s cohesiveness by revisiting elements from earlier tales and thus reinforcing the interconnectedness of his experiences and growth.

In addition, the story contributes to the collection’s themes, including The Impact of Storytelling on Learning and Personal Growth, The Role of Imagination in Childhood, and The Boundaries Between Truth and Fiction. Through his interactions with Gloria and their shared kite-making venture, Julian navigates these themes, using his imagination not just as a tool for personal entertainment but as a way to connect with others and express inner desires. The act of tying wishes to a kite and watching them disappear into the sky blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, allowing Julian and Gloria to engage in a form of play that promotes emotional expression and growth.

The construction of the kite, which Julian learned from his father, thematically symbolizes the influence of Parental Role-Modeling on Julian’s ability to forge and maintain relationships. The statement “I know how to make good kites because my father taught me” (64) resonates beyond the physical act of kite-making: It metaphorically suggests that Julian’s father has equipped him with the skills to build strong, enduring relationships. Julian applying his father’s lessons not only shows the direct impact of his upbringing on his interpersonal skills but also highlights the significance of parental guidance in shaping a child’s ability to navigate the world.