My dear friend Dylan Self (www.dylanself.tumblr.com) brought up an interesting thought the other day. What if you could read your life on Spark Notes? I’ve never been a big user of the website since I got caught plagiarizing in 8th grade, but I can bet my life is a tad bit more interesting than Lord of the Flies (though I’ll admit, there’s nowhere near as much cloudy Christian symbolism).
If you’re bored out of your mind, I will now present to you my Spark Notes!
TITLE: Tyler Tingey (117 vol.1/5)
CHAPTERS:
- I Tyler, Being Born of Goodly Parents
- M-I-S-S-I-S-S-I-P-P-I
- The Cul-de-sac
- The Fall of the Cul-de-sac
- Long Hair, and an Element T-shirt
- Moab
- Post Moab (Tyler gets caught plagiarizing)
- Me Likes Choir
- Viva la Vida
- Orchids
PLOT SUMMARY: 117 vol.1/5 is the story of a boy who has changed very little in his first 17 years of existence. Tyler Tingey (protagonist) has a life based around supportive friends and family, and most of all- music. Tyler’s foundation comes from experiences and friendships made in his childhood. 117 vol.1/5 has been criticized by readers saying “Tyler should make more of an effort to be appealing to women”. Tyler often feels uncomfortable writing a plot summary on his life.
MAIN CHARACTER ANALYSIS: (in order of who Tyler has texted most recently)
Oliver Tingey- A constant main character in 117 vol.1/5. Tyler often thinks about things he can improve within himself so that he can be more like Oliver. Oliver is a leader among his social circle. He is looked up to for his responsibility, and feared for his cold exterior. Tyler and Oliver share a deep passion for choral music and it plays a big role in their friendship. Tyler spends more time with this character than any other character in the story. Many readers think it is because he values his company the most.
Spencer Tingey- Another constant main character throughout the story. The friendship between Spencer and Tyler is one of the most playful relationships in the story. Spencer is seen as someone with an enormous amount of humor and wit, as well as someone who is extremely knowledgeable about the universe and the dirty tricks it plays. Tyler often reflects on his friendship with Spencer and typically laughs to himself as he recalls how fun, valuable, and at times, serious their friendship is. Spencer is the most beneficial character in the story.
Dylan Self- Many readers of 117 vol.1/5 consider Dylan to be Tyler’s best friend. Dylan is introduced as a main character in the very beginning and continues to be a main character in the end. Dylan’s friendship with Tyler is one that is misunderstood by everyone except Dylan and Tyler. Every word they say to each other has a story behind it. One of the greatest bonds between Dylan and Tyler comes from their ability to make music together. Those who have studied 117 vol.1/5 believe that the reason Dylan and Tyler play their respective instruments together so well is due to the fact that they have the exact same childhood. Dylan struggles with homosexuality.
Abby Tingey- Tyler’s friendship with Abby is considered by some to be the most essential friendship in the book. Tyler relies on Abby as someone that he can talk about everything and nothing to. Rumors of Tyler and Abby dating were popular among North America, but denied by the publishing company. When caught in the right mood, Tyler has been known to peg his friendship with Abby as “something [that] means the world to me”.
Jules Cruz- Jules is responsible for any ounce of personality or happiness in Tyler’s life. Although his character isn’t introduced till the chapter “Me Likes Choir”, Jules still plays a very vital role in the story. Jules brings light and life to the book, which has resulted in one of the most valuable relationships that Tyler has. Jules also struggles with homosexuality.
IMPORTANT QUOTATIONS: “Summer is burning me” -Spencer Tingey, as he puts on his seatbelt after church.
