Asher becomes infatuated with drawing Stalin. He draws Stalin every where and anywhere. Asher instead of studying draws Stalin. When he is faced with the question of moving to Vienna he responded with a firm no. His parents want him to get a passport so that he can travel with them to Vienna and leave Brooklyn. When he asks to stay with his uncle. His uncle did not want to respond. He instead said that he would think about it. Asher seems to be selfish this chapter. He wants to draw and not study, he does not want to move. He seems to be controlling what happens to the family instead of his father telling him what he is going to do.

When Asher is asked why he draws what he draws, he responds with no answer or he does not know. It is amazing to see that Asher can draw something and not even know why he is drawing it. Drawing to Asher is like a habit-something he does sub-conscience. I am amazed at the talent he holds and yet he is still discouraged by his father. His father still believes that art is "foolishness." '"Why do you draw, Asher?' I did not reply. 'What does it mean to you, my Asher?' I thought I heard her say. 'Because it might hurt us."'(104) Does Asher draw because he believes it is the only way he can truly control and be selfish and get what he wants or does he truly enjoy drawing? I don't understand why such a young boy would want to hurt his family. Somehow he does though with his paintings he tears the family apart. He is very deviant and disobeys his father's wishes. Asher continues to draw.

Another important part in the book is when Asher father says: '"You look so unhappy these days, Asher.' 'I am sorry, Papa.' 'It bothers you that I am away so much?' 'Yes, Papa.'"(113) The absence of Asher's father leaves Asher alone to entertain himself. This could be a possible reason why Asher loves drawing.

The chapter ends with Asher stating to the God "What do You want from me? I thought. I'm only a ten-year-old boy. Ten-year-old boys play in the streets; ten-year-old boys chase back and forth through the hallways of the apartment houses; ten-year-old boys ride up and down the elevators for afternoon entertainment; ten-year-old boys run after cars along New York Avenue. I You don't want me to use the gift, why did You give it to me?"(116) Asher is confused about his gift. He does not want to have something from the other side. Yet, he is content with using the gift as some sort of entertainment for himself. He is not like other ten year old boys. He is different. He has a gift. He is just having trouble deciding whether to use the gift.