The first section of the novel has the title “January 2011”, why the author decided to start the events in january? Maybe because it is the first of the twelve months in a year, so it brings the reader to think to the beginning.

Having a look to the text, the reader can see that the verbs are used at the simple present form, this kind of tenses are usually used for habits.

Reading the first tense of the section there are yet both the two principal characters introduced to us, Marianne and Connell. From the description of her clothes the reader understands that Marianne is a student because she wears a school uniform and keep going reading, from the conversations, the reader understands that Connel is in her class too.

From the text we understand also the role of Connell’s mother, Lorraine, in Maranne’s house, she is peeling off a pair of rubber gloves, she has an apron then she pops up and she takes a load out of the dryer, so she is the housekeeper, she works for Marianne’s family.

From the analysis of the direct speeches the reader can understand Marianne and Connell’s personality, in fact Connell’s speeches are full of questions so he’s insecure, he asks often his mum to go away, like if he is in rush because he feels embarassed in front of Marianne, in fact he puts his hands in his pockets, like if he is looking for protection. On the other hand Marianne’s speeches are more direct, she isn’t insecure. Also from the lexican that they use we can understand them, for exemple Marianne says “he was top of the class”, using the superlative, instead Connell says “Marianne did pretty good too” so he is less enthusiastic.

The first section has the function to introduce the novel and the characters to the readers.