Cosmic

Cosmic explores the theme of growing up through Liam Digby’s unique situation. He’s a 12-year-old who looks like an adult and must take on responsibilities far beyond his years. Liam’s height is a constant reminder of his premature maturity. Adults constantly mistake him for a grown man, which allows him to enter competitions and even board a rocket under the guise of fatherhood. Emotionally, however, he’s still a child. While in space, he realizes that his father is no longer there to help him and that he’s finally growing up. The moment shows a turning point in Liam’s internal development, as he begins to face life on his own.

Liam’s transformation is also apparent in more everyday experiences. When he starts shaving, his mother fears that he’s growing too fast, expressing both concern and denial about something inevitable. His emotional growth is pushed forward by situations in which he must act like a real adult. For instance, before the rocket launch, Liam ensures that everyone else is strapped in before securing his own straps. This demonstration of responsibility shows a maturity that contrasts with his earlier recklessness.

At the same time, Liam also begins to question what adulthood offers. Observing the supposed rewards of growing up, he asks, “What’s the POINT in forfeiting your childhood if all you get for it is filling in forms?” (133).