“‘I suppose the important thing is to make some sort of difference,’ she said. ‘You know, actually change something.’”

Talking with Dexter about the future, Emma expresses her desire to change the world. This paints her as optimistic, idealistic, and somewhat naive—she has lofty aspirations that will eventually collide with the harsh realities of the world.

“‘Forty?’ He too seemed to be struggling with the concept. ‘Don’t know. Am I allowed to say “rich”?’

‘Just so, so shallow.’

‘Alright then, “famous.”’”

The motif of aging is woven into this passage, as Dexter is so young that he struggles to comprehend the notion of one day reaching 40. Moreover, Dexter’s desire to become rich and famous characterizes him in stark contrast to Emma, who perceives him as shallow.

“She didn’t feel like an adult. She was in no way prepared. It was as if a fire alarm had gone off in the middle of the night and she was standing on the street with her clothes bundled up in her arms.”

Despite her optimism and idealism, at the onset of her journey of Personal Growth and Self-Discovery, Emma feels unprepared for adulthood. The metaphor of a fire alarm going off in the middle of the night captures the abruptness and urgency of Emma’s awakening to the challenges of adulthood.