“Bruce processes the world—and decides what’s true—based on numbers, and statistically no one has ever survived a plane crash by using an inflatable slide. They are simply a fairy tale intended to give passengers a false sense of control. Bruce has no use for fairy tales, but most people seem to like them.” 

Bruce is a logical, if somewhat neurotic, character. His practicality touches on themes of control. None of the passengers have real control over the plane—or their own safety. While some choose to ignore this, the literal lack of control weighs heavy on the mind of Bruce.

“Bruce Adler looks at his boys; their faces are unreadable. He has the familiar thought that he is too old and out of touch to decipher them. A few days earlier, while waiting for a table at their favorite Chinese restaurant, Bruce watched Jordan notice a girl his age walk in with her family […] [Jordan] gave that girl a face that Bruce, who has studied his son every single day of his life, had never seen. Never even knew existed.”

Almost every character in Dear Edward carries a few secrets, and they inevitably strain relationships. Not only does this section introduce the theme of adolescence, but it also foreshadows the way Jordan’s secret relationship with Mahira will affect Edward’s journey. Bruce is aware that his oldest son is growing up, and he is becoming a new person with different interests; Edward will have to accept the same truth about Jordan to heal.

“Edward is unable to answer any of these questions. He can’t consider how he’s feeling; that door is far too dangerous to open. He tries to stay away from thoughts and emotions, as if they’re furniture he can skirt past in a room.” 

Edward is unable to confront the tragedy of the plane crash for much of the novel. He understands the weight of the incident and delays facing the difficult emotions they evoke. Instead, Edward becomes stoic and dissociative. Without addressing his feelings, though, he is unable to move past the event and becomes passive.