On My Honor by Marion Dane Bauer
"On My Honor" by Marion Dane Bauer is a poignant coming-of-age story that explores themes of friendship, guilt, and the consequences of decision-making. The narrative centers around Joel Bates, a young boy who grapples with the influence of his adventurous friend, Tony Zabrinsky. When Tony proposes a risky swimming venture in the Vermillion River during a biking trip, Joel initially resists but ultimately succumbs to peer pressure, leading to a tragic outcome when Tony drowns. This heart-wrenching experience forces Joel to confront his emotions and the heavy burden of guilt over his friend's death.
The novel delves into complex feelings of responsibility and the repercussions of one's choices, making it relatable to readers who have faced similar dilemmas. Through Joel's internal struggle—oscillating between blaming himself and seeking justifications—the story invites readers to reflect on their own experiences with friendship and moral integrity. "On My Honor" received the John Newbery Award Honor Book in 1987 and is recognized for its compelling characterization and emotional depth, marking it as one of Bauer's most significant works. The narrative not only highlights the importance of personal values over peer influence but also the enduring impact of loss and the journey towards understanding one’s own decisions.
On this Page
Subject Terms
On My Honor by Marion Dane Bauer
First published: 1986
Type of work: Domestic realism
Themes: Friendship, death, and emotions
Time of work: The late twentieth century
Recommended Ages: 10-15
Locale: A town in Illinois
Principal Characters:
Joel Bates , age twelve, a careful boy who allows his best friend to control his lifeTony Zabrinsky , Joel’s best friend, very assertive and adventurous, who will not admit to weaknessMr. Bates , Joel’s father, who displays great patience and love for his son
The Story
The relationship between Joel Bates, the protagonist, and Tony Zabrinsky is defined in the first paragraph of On My Honor: Joel and Tony have been friends for most of their lives, but Joel struggles with the fact that Tony usually determines the day’s activities despite his wishes. Tony, always the one to come up with unusual ideas, wants to bike to Starved Rock Bluffs so they can climb the cliffs. Joel does not like this idea and calculates that, if he seeks permission to go, his father will decline the request, thus giving him an excuse when Tony accuses him of being scared. To Joel’s surprise, his father allows him to make the trip—if he will be careful on the road and only go to the park. Joel states that he is on his honor and will follow his father’s wishes.
This beginning is critical to the story; it establishes the relationships between Joel and Tony and between Joel and his father. The fact that Joel makes a promise to his father provides impetus to his guilt later in the story. In this early stage of the story, the reader begins to identify with Joel’s emotions and is left to hope that Joel will state his true feelings about the trip.
The boys never make it to Starved Rock Bluffs, because Tony decides to stop and explore the Vermillion River. Joel’s enthusiasm for the change in plans soon wanes when he learns that Tony wants to go swimming in the muddy river. Joel does not want to swim and warns Tony that the river has sinkholes and strange currents. Tony does not listen to Joel and persuades him to go swimming. One dare leads to another, and Joel, tired of Tony’s taunts, challenges him to swim to a sandbar.
Tony drowns trying to make the swim, and a major portion of the book is a detailed description of Joel’s painful struggle with his emotions. This struggle is exemplified by his frantic, unsuccessful search for Tony and his confused ride home. Joel’s mind becomes like a pendulum swinging between two opposite thoughts: The tragedy was his fault; a plausible explanation exists as to why it was not his fault. It is here that the reader can begin to identify with Joel’s struggle. Bauer’s effective characterization of Joel’s anguish may prompt the reader to recall the consequences experienced in his or her life as the result of impetuous actions or poor choices.
Joel tells no one what has happened and is left to struggle with his guilt for the rest of the day. Once the police find Tony’s clothes, however, Joel blurts out the truth and even blames his father for the death. The book ends on a peaceful note because of the understanding and compassion of Joel’s father. The reader knows, however, that both Joel and his father must live with the choices they have made.
Context
On My Honor is Marion Dane Bauer’s best-known book and was the recipient of the John Newbery Award Honor Book in 1987. On My Honor can be compared to some of Bauer’s earlier works, such as Like Mother, Like Daughter (1985) and Shelter from the Wind (1976). For example, each of these books has a protagonist who is twelve to fourteen years of age, each of these books possesses outstanding characterization, and each of the protagonists must struggle with the consequences of his or her decision. For example, in Like Mother, Like Daughter Leslie Johnson’s struggle with her decision to write an article for the school newspaper is, in some respect, as painful as Joel’s decision to go swimming. Similarly, Stacy in Shelter from the Wind must deal with several painful decisions, the most excruciating of which was to end the painful existence of a puppy with a cleft palate.
The themes found in On My Honor are similar to those found in other children’s books, but this does not make the story less effective or less original. On My Honor is unique because it allows the reader to experience through Joel the tragic death of a friend. The story also allows one to examine the emotions of death in the context of decision-making. Furthermore, the story focuses the reader on the loss of integrity and honor often associated with one’s decisions. The reader sees the importance of following what he or she believes to be correct rather than being swayed by the taunts or wishes of others.