Punching the Air

Throughout the novel, Amal hopes for his freedom. Though his hope sometimes wavers, it is a constant factor for Amal and his mother while they wait for his exoneration. Even when the jury convicted Amal, both he and his mother believed that when Jeremy Mathis awoke from his coma, his statement would exonerate Amal. While in prison, Amal’s mother writes to him about maintaining his hope and emphasizes just how much faith she has in him. Zenobia, Amal’s crush from school, also writes to Amal to say that she believes that he is innocent. These encouraging words help Amal stay true to himself and help him justify holding on to his innocence.

Amal’s art becomes a representation of his freedom, particularly when he starts painting butterflies. When in solitary confinement, Amal can still see the butterflies he drew on the walls “fluttering around [his] head / as if telling [him] a secret” (303). Amal wants to fly away from his confinement like the butterflies that he paints. Even after being beaten down by the oppressive carceral system, struggling with his conviction, and the people of power around him doubting him, Amal knows that freedom is a possibility. Throughout the novel, Amal’s potential as an artist and as a student blossoms.