Plot Overview About the Author
Darius and Twig have been best friends
since they were nine. Frustrated with the
limited opportunities available to them in
their Harlem neighborhood, both boys
strive to forge a better future for
themselves. Darius through writing and
Twig through running. It isn't easy though
with the problems and pressures of home,
counselors and teachers at school, and
bullies. In addition to those challenges,
Darius has his own inner problems to deal
with. When he feels overwhelmed, he
escapes by imagining himself as a falcon
named Fury. Fury is able to soar above
the petty problems of Darius' world. When
Twig begins to be recognized for
succeeding on the track, Darius lets his
friends accomplishments encourage him
to keep writing, but previous choices have
damaged his chances at getting a college
scholarship, and determination may not
be enough to save him from the problems
that threaten to drag him down.
Walter Dean Myers is a New York Times
bestselling author and Printz Award
winner. Dean Myers was born on August
12, 1937 and died July 1, 2014. He wrote
Darius & Twig because he wanted to
focus on what was happening currently.
Real life situations inspired Dean Myers
to write Darius & Twig.
Historical Context
This story takes place in present day.
Darius and Twig live in Harlem, New
York. Darius comes from a poor family
and they have struggled even more after
his dad left. Twig is more of a middle
class person because his family owns a
bodega but he still runs in order to pay
for college.
Darius & Twig
Walter Dean Myers
Ana Alfaro
November 23, 2016
Essential Quotes
Twig didnt know it, but he kept me sane.
In my darkest moments, when I was
feeling really, really shitty, I could think
about him and his running and feel better
about life. It was always good to see him
smiling and trying to win his races. He
has talent, so winning was possible. And
is winning was possible for him, I felt I
might cap a break,too, (8).
I am living on the dark side of the moon.
Pretending to be in another place,
sometimes another time, and always in
another light. I walk among my friends
and the people I known as if everything is
as it should be. Nothing is as it should
be(17).
Reflections
Throughout this novel I have learned
many experiences. One being that even
in the darkest places, we can shine the
 Character Analysis
The two main characters of this story are
Darius Austin and Manuel Fernandez
Twig. Darius lives with his mother and
brother, Brian. His father was a veteran
but then left his family. Darius is a good
writer but his grades are not the best and
affects his chances for getting into
college. Apart from having physical
problems, Darius has an alter ego. This
alter ego is named Fury and he is a
falcon. Fury is the dark side of Darius.
Fury encourages Darius to have negative
feels and to not try for his future. Manuel
is nicknamed Twig because his father
was Tree so he must be Twig. Twig finds
joy in running and wants to get a
scholarship for it. Although, his family
believe that there is no future in running.
He also gets bullied for his talent of
running.
Themes
This short story has many themes
including familial struggle, bullying,
friendship, and identity. The theme I
found the most influential was familial
struggle. Both boys strive to earn a
scholarship or full ride to college because
their families cannot afford to pay. The
neighborhood that the boys live in one
that consist of families of low income.
Darius mother is a single parent of two
who battles with depression and often has
to work several jobs in order to supply for
her family. Twigs family consist of his
mother, grandmother, and his uncle. Even
though they are low income, his uncle
owns a corner store or bodega.
Motifs and Symbols
One of the biggest symbols Myers writes
about is Fury, Darius alter ego. I believe
this is the most important symbol because
Fury is like the thoughts we always have,
the wrong thoughts. I think that by the
author including Fury the story is more
touching and relatable. Another important
symbol in the book were the bullies. I
think that the bullies are suppose to
encourage Darius and Twig to try harder
to get out of Harlem.