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Part 3: Maybeck
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The 57 Bus, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Gender and Sexuality
Adolescent Crime vs. Adult Crime
Binary Thought and Inclusive Language
Discrimination and Social Justice
Accountability, Redemption, and Forgiveness
Summary
Analysis
Shyam Sundar, Sasha’s science teacher, can’t bring himself to teach after Sasha’s attack. Sasha is his favorite student, and once he learns that Sasha is the student who was burned, “he doesn’t remember much of anything.” Shyam says, “The whole week is blocked from my memory.” He continues to go to school each day “but he just hands out worksheets” and doesn’t teach.
Shyam Sundar’s reaction to the tragic situation reflects how important Sasha is to their community. Richard viewed Sasha as simply some “dude” in a skirt, when in all actuality, they are a loved and valued member of their community.
Themes
