The opening of a story plays a significant role in introducing the ideas and issues that are addressed in a story. 'We all fall down' by Robert Cormier is no exception to this. The opening of Cormier's book introduces the issues of deception, destruction and the idea that an event can affect every person differently. It is these ideas and issues that play an important role in the story.
             The issue of deception is present throughout 'we all fall down'. The first time the reader acknowledges the idea of deception is when the avenger is describing his supposedly requited relationship with the Jerome's. The reader believes the avenger to be 'like a son and brother' to the family. This incorrect idea only lasts a short while as the reader begins to question why, if he is such a significant part of the family, the avenger watched while the Jerome's house was being destroyed.
             The reader is introduced to the character Mickey Stallings, or Mickey Loony as he has been named by the children in the community, and they believe him to be just a 'neighborhood handy man' even if he is a little 'loony'. Not only are the other characters in the book lead to believe this but the reader is also. This idea is retained by both the reader and the character until his real identity is revealed towards the end of the book. At this time the deception surrounding Mickey Stallings and the avenger is revealed.
             The opening of 'we all fall down' presents the reader with an image of the trashers. This image is that of disobedient teenage rebels seeking fun at the expense of other. This image is maintained until the avenger states that the trashers were 'regular kids', not 'sleazies' 'rough guy' or 'drop outs'. Later in the book the avengers image of the trashers is enforced when we are introduced to the character Buddy walker, one of the ...