How is tragedy an important aspect of the novel, The War For Gloria?

The novel is tragic throughout, primarily focusing on Gloria’s terminal illness and then concluding with the events surrounding Molly’s brutal murder. The reader should consider the perpetual tragedy as symbolic of the difficulty Corey contends with in establishing an identity. The novel depicts Corey as a high school boy, a period in his life when he should be with friends, and should think of college and his future and otherwise mature in a healthy manner. Instead, he must contend with myriad obstacles, none of which are a consequence of his actions. Thus, the tragedy pervading the novel symbolizes the perpetual difficulty Corey faces as he tries to grow into a man.