The paradox of the police system
The police officers who come to arrest Donte at school are paradoxical characters because they do not allow Donte to defend himself. The police and the headmaster know that Donte is framed for a crime he never committed, but they are determined to put him in jail. The irony is that the legal system is corrupted and works discriminatively instead of protecting the interest of the voiceless people. Consequently, Donte ends up in jail for a crime he never committed.
Racism in school
The headmaster and the teacher in charge of the fencing team are the worst racists in the text, and they demonstrate their hatred when they frame Donte falsely. Donte's father is a white man, and when he hears of the racism claims against his son, he hopes he can get justice if he confronts the school's administration. Paradoxically, things turn out worse when he confronts the administration. All the white students outside the headmaster's offices compound injustice with smirks. Donte's father leaves more disappointed than he came.
Donte’s comeback
No one expected Donte to gain courage and face his oppressors. Ironically, towards the end, Donte becomes audacious to face all his bullies. Initially, Donte is bullied and denied access to the school's fencing team. Donte decides to request Jones, a former Olympic fencer, to allow him to join the youth center and train as a fencer. During the training, Donte discovers his ability to defend himself. After finishing the training, Donte becomes self-assured and confident to face his bullies. People who underestimated Donte's ability are shocked because he confidently fights racism and the corrupt system in society that disadvantages black people.
