This Was Our Pact

In the novel, outer space symbolizes the theme of Cultivating Positivity and a Sense of Wonder, as well as the boys’ exploration of the adult world that is as yet unfamiliar to them. The art, setting, characterizations, and plot of This Was Our Pact all place a great deal of emphasis on outer space. The story itself is set during the autumnal equinox, which is a celestial event. Many panels in the graphic novel depict stars or the moon. A “river” of stars and a lunar eclipse feature prominently in the plot, and characters discuss memories related to space and imagine what it might be like. Both Ben and Nathaniel are fascinated by space—their quest is saved by Nathaniel’s deep knowledge on the subject because he successfully reads the star map and retrieves a piece of an artificial sun.

Outer space is also an unknown realm, so it represents the wider adult world that the boys are attempting their first foray into; it includes all of the mysteries and awe-inspiring “firsts” they will encounter. The river of stars that leads from the real river on earth up into space is the pathway suggested by the travels of those who go before them. Ben is impressed by the fish that rise up and form this pathway because they make a task that he is not quite ready to accomplish himself “LOOK SO EFFORTLESS” (318). He is still finding his feet in unfamiliar territory.

Three important maps are featured in the story: the bear’s map, Margaret’s map, and the star map. Each is depicted in close-up over a two-page spread—this not only stresses each map’s importance but also juxtaposes it with the others. In a literal sense, maps are representations, usually created by others who have gone before, as an aid to navigating unfamiliar territory. In This Was Our Pact, maps symbolize guidance as the boys journey into adulthood.

The kindly fisherbear has a comically incomplete map. It offers a clear goal but only hints at how to get there. The negative space on this map is important: It is terra incognita, or space that each traveler can either choose to explore or not. This model of guidance has a downside: As the bear’s own experience demonstrates, it is easy to get lost along the way with a map such as this one since it leaves too much to the traveler’s discretion. This map represents permissive parenting or mentoring, which gives young people too much freedom and confuses them. Margaret’s map, commissioned by Madam Majestic, is highly detailed but comes at a steep price. In return for this level of help, the boys sacrifice their freedom—literally ending up imprisoned in a cellar. This map represents an authoritarian style of parenting or mentoring since they must forsake their freedom to earn this guidance. The most successful model of guidance is offered by the star map. This map is individualized, in the sense that it is tailored to Nathaniel and Ben’s personalities and interests. It offers just enough support for the journey, ensuring success, while still requiring Ben and Nathaniel to apply their own knowledge and effort to the task of pathfinding. It therefore builds up their capabilities and confidence while also providing guidance.