In the novel Reef, there are a series of events that mark Triton's (the protagonist) coming of age. To understand Gunesekera's novel, the reader should pay attention to these events and consider how these events shaped and influenced the protagonist's life. In the novel, Triton holds an insider/outsider status in the Salgado family, which is instrumental in many of the events that lead to the awakening of his maturity. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Mr. Salgado's rapidly developing relationship with Mrs. Nilli becomes a catalyst for change in the Salgado family. At this point Ms. Nilli has already moved into the house and is residing in Mr. Salgado's bedroom. The beginning of the chapter ("A Thousand Fingers") from which the excerpt in question comes begins with Triton saying "A few days later Mrs. Nilli moved in. For us it was the beginning of a new era." (Gunesekera 103) With the presence of Mrs. Nilli comes a world of change. A female presence in the house greatly alters Mr. Salgado's attitude, he becomes more relaxed and smiles much more than usual. “He was smiling. He leaned back and his face seemed to relax into something much greater than before. (Gunesekera 105). “His shirt was twisted on one side as if he was touching it. I didn't do anything about it. (Gunesekera 105) Triton allows Mrs. Nilli to take the lead in some aspects of Mr. Salgado's care, he says very eloquently that she can take care of things of that nature. Ms. Nilli's influence allowed Mr. Salgado to become much more outgoing and sociable. He became something of a socialite, hosting parties and gatherings at his home. It becomes evident in this chapter that the couple is very comfortable with each other and is not afraid to show affection in the comfort of their own home. The arrival of Mrs. Nilli brings about a change in the dynamics of the Salgado family, it is no longer "our world". Triton manages to maintain an insider/outsider status in the Salgado family. He has an "insider" status because he lives and works at home, allowing him to learn information that he would not normally be aware of. Triton unfortunately becomes an “outsider” even in the family because he is not socially equal to Salgado or any of the other people who attend Mr. Salgado's social gatherings. He is a servant in the house, not a friend of Mr. Salgado. Triton is always “in” the house but his presence is sometimes overlooked, which constantly reminds us that he is not one of “them”. In this chapter we notice a pattern in terms of Triton's insider/outsider status. He no longer wants to participate in domestic activities, he prefers to be an “outsider” and this happens constantly in this chapter. A clear example of this is when Triton goes out, away from everyone, and ignores Tippy's requests for another beer. He doesn't want to have relationships with these people and wants them to go away. Tritone is disappointed and realizes that not all is well in the Salgado household. The question of Triton's demotion in the family is raised. Tippy goes back to calling him “Kolla” instead of his name. This is an indication of Triton's change in status: he becomes an "outsider" again. Tippy asked "Where the hell is that bastard, Triton?" (Gunesekera 123) once again Triton is disrespected. We now consider Triton inferior and Salgado and his friends superior, even though we knew this had always been the case, it was never pointed out so blatantly. Triton's restlessness constantly manifests itself in his.