Plot Summary
Street Hustle Beginnings
Bryon and Mark, inseparable friends since childhood, hustle pool to make money in their rough neighborhood. Bryon, the narrator, reflects on their past antics and the confidence they once had. They frequent Charlie's bar, where they hustle unsuspecting players. Despite their illegal activities, they are protected by Charlie, the bar owner, who warns them about the dangers of their lifestyle. Bryon is introspective, wondering if he will look back on his current actions with regret.
Friendship and Family Ties
Mark lives with Bryon and his mother after his parents' tragic deaths. The boys share a brotherly bond, with Mark being the more reckless of the two. Bryon is aware of Mark's tendency to steal but turns a blind eye, focusing instead on their shared history and the familial love they have for each other. Their friendship is tested as they navigate the challenges of adolescence in a turbulent environment.
A Dance and a Fight
Bryon takes Cathy, M&M's sister, to a school dance, where they encounter Mark and other friends. The night takes a turn when Mark is injured in a fight meant for someone else. Bryon is forced to confront the violence that surrounds them and the impact it has on their lives. The incident leaves Bryon questioning the path they are on and the choices they make.
The Consequences of Violence
After a pool hustle goes wrong, Charlie is killed while protecting Bryon and Mark from vengeful out-of-towners. The event profoundly affects Bryon, who struggles with guilt and the realization of life's fragility. He begins to distance himself from the reckless lifestyle he once embraced, seeking solace in his relationship with Cathy and trying to find a sense of purpose.
Growing Apart
As Bryon becomes more introspective and responsible, he notices a growing distance between himself and Mark. Bryon's relationship with Cathy deepens, while Mark continues his carefree, lawless ways. The boys' differing paths highlight the changes in their friendship, with Bryon increasingly aware of the moral implications of their actions.
The Betrayal
Bryon finds out that Mark is selling drugs, a revelation that shatters his trust. The discovery is compounded by M&M's hospitalization due to a bad drug trip. Feeling betrayed and responsible for the harm caused, Bryon makes the difficult decision to turn Mark in to the police, a choice that marks the end of their friendship and the beginning of a new, uncertain chapter in Bryon's life.
The Aftermath
After Mark's arrest, Bryon is left to grapple with the fallout of his decision. He loses his connection with Cathy and struggles with feelings of guilt and isolation. The once inseparable friends are now strangers, and Bryon is forced to confront the harsh realities of growing up and the irreversible changes in his life. He reflects on the past, questioning his choices and longing for the simplicity of childhood.
Characters
Bryon Douglas
Bryon is a sixteen-year-old navigating the complexities of adolescence in a rough neighborhood. He is introspective and begins to question the morality of his actions and those of his best friend, Mark. As he falls in love with Cathy, he becomes more aware of the consequences of violence and crime, leading to a growing rift between him and Mark. Bryon's journey is one of self-discovery and the painful realization that growing up often means growing apart from those you love.
Mark Jennings
Mark is Bryon's best friend and surrogate brother, living with Bryon's family after his parents' deaths. He is charming and fearless, often engaging in illegal activities without considering the consequences. Mark's inability to distinguish right from wrong ultimately leads to his downfall. His betrayal by Bryon marks a turning point in his life, as he is forced to face the repercussions of his actions alone.
Cathy Carlson
Cathy is M&M's older sister and Bryon's love interest. She is intelligent and compassionate, providing a stabilizing influence in Bryon's life. Her concern for her brother and her disapproval of Mark's behavior highlight the moral dilemmas Bryon faces. Cathy's relationship with Bryon is tested by the events surrounding M&M's drug use and Mark's arrest, ultimately leading to their separation.
M&M Carlson
M&M is Cathy's younger brother, known for his gentle nature and love of candy. His descent into drug use and subsequent hospitalization serve as a catalyst for Bryon's actions against Mark. M&M's innocence and vulnerability underscore the dangers of the environment in which the characters live, and his experience profoundly impacts Bryon's perspective on life.
Charlie
Charlie is the owner of the bar where Bryon and Mark hustle pool. He acts as a mentor and protector to the boys, warning them of the dangers of their lifestyle. Charlie's death while defending Bryon and Mark is a pivotal moment in the story, forcing Bryon to confront the reality of violence and loss.
Mr. Carlson
Mr. Carlson is Cathy's father, who struggles to understand and connect with his children. His relationship with M&M is strained, and he is forced to confront the consequences of his parenting when M&M is hospitalized. Mr. Carlson's interactions with Bryon reveal his desire to protect his family and his appreciation for Bryon's efforts to help M&M.
Plot Devices
Friendship and Betrayal
The novel explores the complexities of friendship and the impact of betrayal. Bryon and Mark's relationship is tested by their differing values and choices, culminating in Bryon's decision to turn Mark in to the police. This act of betrayal is a turning point in the story, highlighting the moral dilemmas faced by the characters and the consequences of their actions.
Moral Ambiguity
The characters grapple with questions of morality and the blurred lines between right and wrong. Bryon's introspection and growing awareness of the consequences of violence and crime contrast with Mark's carefree attitude. The novel challenges readers to consider the impact of their choices and the complexity of ethical decision-making.
Coming of Age
The story follows Bryon's journey from a carefree teenager to a more responsible and reflective young adult. As he navigates the challenges of growing up, Bryon is forced to confront the harsh realities of life and the changes in his relationships. The novel captures the bittersweet nature of coming of age and the loss of innocence.
Analysis
"That Was Then, This Is Now" delves into the complexities of growing up in a challenging environment. S.E. Hinton masterfully captures the struggles of adolescence, the shifting dynamics of friendship, and the moral dilemmas faced by young people. The novel's exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and the consequences of violence resonates with readers, offering a timeless reflection on the challenges of transitioning from youth to adulthood. Through Bryon's journey, Hinton highlights the importance of self-discovery and the difficult choices that shape our lives.
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Review Summary
That Was Then, This Is Now received mixed reviews, with an average rating of 3.93/5. Many praised Hinton's character development and emotional depth, comparing it favorably to The Outsiders. Readers appreciated the realistic portrayal of teenage struggles and the exploration of friendship, loyalty, and growing apart. Some found the ending heartbreaking but powerful. Critics noted the dated language and occasional narrative inconsistencies. Overall, the book was seen as a thought-provoking, if sometimes difficult, coming-of-age story that resonated with many readers.
