Aman Character Analysis in The Poet X

Aman is Xiomara’s lab partner in biology class and eventually, her boyfriend. He’s not quite as tall as Xiomara, but he’s lean and handsome. Their relationship begins when Xiomara and Aman start brushing arms as lab partners, but they soon connect over rappers and hip-hop artists and start listening to music together in the park. Aman is consistently kind and respectful of Xiomara. Though he does ask her to do things and go places with him that sometimes make Xiomara uncomfortable, he never pressures her when she says no. Most importantly for Xiomara, Aman asks to hear her poetry and makes her feel like her words are important. As their relationship deepens, Aman shares that he lives with his dad. He was born in Trinidad but when his dad sent for Aman and Aman’s mom to come to the U.S., Aman’s mom chose to stay and still hasn’t come. As a child in Trinidad, Aman watched the Winter Olympics and fell in love with winter sports. He taught himself to ice skate, since his dad believed that skating was too soft for a boy and wouldn’t put him in lessons. Xiomara breaks things off with Aman when Aman doesn’t stand up for her against boys who grope and taunt her, but she reaches out to him a month later after Mami burns her poetry notebook. Aman rushes to her without even putting a coat on and then allows Xiomara to spend the night. Most shocking for Xiomara is that when she refuses to have sex, Aman doesn’t kick her out—he dries her tears and comforts her. In the weeks that follow, Aman affirms several times that he’ll always have Xiomara’s back, even though he knows she can look out for herself.

Aman Quotes in The Poet X

The The Poet X quotes below are all either spoken by Aman or refer to Aman. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:

And I get all this attention from guys
but it’s like a sancocho of emotions.

This stew of mixed-up ingredients:
partly flattered they think I’m attractive,
partly scared they’re only interested in my ass and boobs,
and a good measure of Mami-will-kill-me fear sprinkled on top.

Related Characters: Xiomara Batista (speaker), Ms. Galiano, Mami, Aman

Page Number and Citation: 32

Explanation and Analysis:

I just needed people saying words
about all the things that hurt them.

And maybe this is why Papi stopped listening to music,
because it can make your body want to rebel. To speak up.

And even that young I learned music can become a bridge
between you and a total stranger.

Related Characters: Xiomara Batista (speaker), Aman, Papi

Page Number and Citation: 83

Explanation and Analysis:

And I knew then what I’d known since my period came:
my body was trouble. I had to pray the trouble out
of the body God gave me. My body was a problem.
And I didn’t want any of these boys to be the ones to solve it.
I wanted to forget I had this body at all.

Related Characters: Xiomara Batista (speaker), Aman

Page Number and Citation: 151

Explanation and Analysis:

He grins at me and shrugs. “I came here and practiced a lot.
My pops never wanted to put me in classes. Said it was too soft.”

And now his smile is a little sad.
And I think about all the things we could be
if we were never told our bodies were not built for them.

Related Characters: Aman (speaker), Xiomara Batista (speaker)

Page Number and Citation: 188

Explanation and Analysis:

I don’t yell how the whole block whispers
when I walk down the street
about all the women
who made a cuero out of him.

But men are never called cueros.

Related Characters: Xiomara Batista (speaker), Mami, Papi, Aman

Page Number and Citation: 194

Explanation and Analysis:

I’ll be anything that makes sense
of this panic. I’ll loosen myself from this painful flesh.

See, a cuero is any skin. A cuero
is just a covering. A cuero is a loose thing.
Tied down by no one. Fluttering
and waving in the wind. Flying. Flying. Gone.

Related Characters: Xiomara Batista (speaker), Mami, Papi, Aman

Page Number and Citation: 206

Explanation and Analysis:

“I’m sorry I got in trouble.
I’m sorry I have to be here.
That I have to pretend to you and her
that I care about confirmation at all.
But I’m not sorry I kissed a boy.
I’m only sorry I was caught,
Or that I had to hide it at all.”

Related Characters: Xiomara Batista (speaker), Mami, Father Sean, Aman

Page Number and Citation: 226

Explanation and Analysis:

But even business deals are promises.
And we still married in a church.
And so I never walked away from him

although I tried my best to get back
to my first love.
And confirmation is the last step I can give you.

Related Characters: Mami (speaker), Xiomara Batista, Papi, Aman

Page Number and Citation: 231

Explanation and Analysis:

I can’t remember
the last time people were silent
while I spoke, actually listening.

Not since Aman.
But it’s nice to know I don’t need him
in order to feel listened to.

My little words
feel important, for just a moment.
This is a feeling I could get addicted to.

Related Characters: Xiomara Batista (speaker), Chris, Isabelle, Ms. Galiano, Aman, Stephan

Related Symbols: Xiomara’s Poetry Notebook

Page Number and Citation: 259

Explanation and Analysis:

I actually raise my hand
in English class
and answer Ms. Galiano’s question.
Because at least here with her,
I know my words are okay.

Related Characters: Xiomara Batista (speaker), Mami, Aman, Twin , Ms. Galiano

Page Number and Citation: 264

Explanation and Analysis:

She puts a soft hand on my arm
and I look into the face of a woman
not much older than me,
a woman with a Spanish last name,
who loves books and poetry,
who I notice for the first time is pretty,
who has a soft voice and called my house
because she was worried
and the words are out before I know it:

Related Characters: Xiomara Batista (speaker), Ms. Galiano, Mami, Aman

Related Symbols: Xiomara’s Poetry Notebook

Page Number and Citation: 332

Explanation and Analysis:

Aman Character Timeline in The Poet X

The timeline below shows where the character Aman appears in The Poet X. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Tuesday, September 18. Aman. Two weeks into school, Xiomara’s science class finally gets to start real work. A boy... (full context)

Family, Abuse, and Expectations Theme Icon

J. Cole vs. Kendrick Lamar. Aman and Xiomara have to speak once they start doing real labs. One day, Xiomara asks... (full context)

Dreaming of Him Tonight. Xiomara dreams of Aman’s face in her hands. She remembers Mami’s words, but she touches his face anyway. Xiomara... (full context)

Thursday, September 20. The Thing about Dreams. Xiomara knows she can’t look Aman in the face—she knows he’ll see that she dreamed about him last night. She’s nervous... (full context)

...of boy Xiomara can date. Xiomara knows that Mami would never allow her to meet Aman alone, but Xiomara can’t wait to do it anyway. (full context)

...Xiomara thinks that last night, she relished the secret that she was going to meet Aman. She was afraid that Mami or Twin would know something is up, especially since this... (full context)

Smoke Parks. Xiomara says that since she won’t go to Aman’s house (plus, he didn’t invite her), they go to the smoke park. Their school lets... (full context)

...shifted. Xiomara wonders if Mami will be able to see that she spent time with Aman. Xiomara wants to tell Twin that he looks different too but before she can speak,... (full context)

Sunday, September 23. Communication. When Xiomara leaves Mass, she finds a text from Aman asking what she thought of Kendrick Lamar. Mami scolds Xiomara again for sitting out communion,... (full context)

About A. When Xiomara thinks about Aman, she feels poems grow inside her. She thinks that it feels like someone gave her... (full context)

...who want to be left alone and in biology, she wonders if she should touch Aman when their teacher isn’t looking. She and Aman pass notes. Xiomara feels like a bottle... (full context)

Notes with Aman. Aman asks if Xiomara has gotten involved with anyone at school and asks if the... (full context)

...September 25. What I Didn’t Say to Caridad in Confirmation Class. Xiomara says that if Aman were a poem, he’d be written all over a paper bag and have a witty... (full context)

Friday, September 28. Listening. Xiomara sits with Aman and waits for him to give her an earbud. He plays with her fingers and... (full context)

Mother Business. Xiomara and Aman usually don’t talk about their families, since they know their culture’s rules—it’s not cool to... (full context)

And Then He Does. Aman says that his mother was beautiful. She and his dad married when they were teens.... (full context)

Warmth. Aman and Xiomara walk together and skip every train station. They walk silently and keep each... (full context)

...and it’s finally October. Xiomara avoids Ms. Galiano and her invitations to the poetry club. Aman and Xiomara walk together to the train after school. She thinks that they both want... (full context)

Hands. Xiomara admits that she and Aman have been holding hands in their desk in biology. She hopes her hands don’t sweat... (full context)

Tuesday, October 16. Talking Church. Aman confirms that Xiomara goes to church often. Xiomara freezes. She knows that Aman is going... (full context)

...Xiomara thinks that she’s never had friends aside from Caridad, but now she talks to Aman all the time. He sends her Drake lyrics and asks for poems in return. Xiomara... (full context)

Friday, October 19. About Being in Like. Xiomara relishes her afternoon at the park with Aman. He gives her an earbud and asks if she’s ever smoked marijuana. Xiomara shakes her... (full context)

Music for A. Xiomara writes that putting her head on Aman’s shoulder makes her happy. If they don’t breathe, maybe they’ll live forever. Everything he whispers... (full context)

...asked about Eve. During last period bio, the fire alarm goes off. Xiomara suggests to Aman that they go to the park. He reminds Xiomara that their teacher is going to... (full context)

The Day; Wants. Xiomara and Aman sit on their bench. Aman puts his arm around her shoulders and kisses her forehead.... (full context)

...My Train Stop. When the train reaches Xiomara’s station, she pulls her hand out of Aman’s and blushes. She doesn’t hear Aman ask her questions and studies his lips. He suggests... (full context)

What I Don’t Tell Aman. Xiomara can’t date, be seen with a boy, or have him in her cellphone. She... (full context)

...and that she wants to do more. Xiomara says she didn’t want to stop until Aman put a hand under her shirt. She’s not sure if she jumped because of the... (full context)

...of playing truth or dare in middle school, she wore big sweaters. Now, she wants Aman to touch her. (full context)

...on Friday and on Saturday morning. She wants to go to the party and see Aman, and thinks that the boys in her life will inevitably drive her crazy. (full context)

...says that it’s about the boy and she’ll be home on time. Caridad asks if Aman is pressuring Xiomara, but Xiomara insists he isn’t. Caridad tells Xiomara to be safe and... (full context)

...gives her a drink, but she puts it down and ignores boys watching her. Finally, Aman shows up and grabs Xiomara’s hand. He offers her a drink and Xiomara takes in... (full context)

...This isn’t something with coordinated steps; this is a close slow dance. She presses against Aman and they sway. He puts his leg between Xiomara’s and Xiomara thinks that they’re dancing... (full context)

Stoop-Sitting...With Aman. The neighborhood is on fire. Costumed people laugh and sing. Aman holds Xiomara’s hand, but... (full context)

Sunday, October 28. Braiding. Xiomara thinks about Aman all through Mass, even though she knows Mami will lecture her later. Fortunately, Caridad catches... (full context)

Monday, October 29. Fights. Xiomara heads downtown to Twin’s school. She ignores Aman’s questions and prepares herself for a fight. She spots Twin walking with a tall red-headed... (full context)

...what she did wrong. She wonders why he thought she wouldn’t show up. Not even Aman’s smiley faces and rap videos make her feel better. (full context)

Until; Love. Xiomara says that she forgot about skating until one day, Aman asks her to go skating. He suggests they go tomorrow, since there’s no school. Mami... (full context)

After Skating; This Body on Fire. At the train, Aman pulls Xiomara close and kisses her. They never kiss publicly, but Xiomara wants to kiss.... (full context)

...with a dirty boy. Xiomara realizes that Mami’s eyes were a fan, and Xiomara and Aman’s kiss was like shit hitting it. Xiomara lets herself into her room, shuts the door,... (full context)

Late That Night. Xiomara only wants to talk to Aman. Twin offers to let her use his phone, but Xiomara isn’t sure what she’d even... (full context)

...until one squeezes her buttocks. The boys laugh and start to walk away. Xiomara notices Aman and thinks that he’ll stand up for her. She feels too beaten to do it... (full context)

Silent World. All weekend, Xiomara purposefully hears nothing. Aman tries to speak to her, but she pretends not to hear. She thinks it’s almost... (full context)

...anyone and doesn’t understand how she hurt people, since it was just kissing. She ignores Aman at school and her family at home. Xiomara feels like an actress deserving of an... (full context)

What I’d Like to Tell Aman When He Sends Another Apology Message: Xiomara wants to tell Aman that he doesn’t need... (full context)

...felt free? Xiomara thinks that she was last happy when she recited a poem for Aman. She remembers feeling nervous, but knowing that she could perform and that Aman would listen. (full context)

...do but enjoy the sunshine. Guys don’t bother her much there. She remembers sitting with Aman on a stoop and thinking that she felt free when she let herself lean toward... (full context)

Can’t Tell Me Nothing. Xiomara wonders when she last looked forward to something, since meeting Aman seems so long ago. She has a new lab partner now, but she catches Aman... (full context)

Nerves. Xiomara thinks this feels different than reading to Aman—she didn’t feel like she needed to impress him. She takes a deep breath and thinks... (full context)

...last time people listened to her speak. It’s nice to know that she doesn’t need Aman to feel heard. She thinks that her words feel important, and she could get addicted... (full context)

...in the bathroom. Xiomara apologizes for making Caridad lie. Caridad asks if Xiomara is seeing Aman again. Xiomara says she was at a poetry club meeting, so Caridad invites Xiomara to... (full context)

Thursday, December 13. Here. Mami is still angry; Aman has stopped trying to apologize, and Twin seems to be getting progressively sadder. Xiomara is... (full context)

...writes about Mami making her feel like an ant, about boys catcalling her, and about Aman and Twin. Occasionally, Xiomara is still up when Mami wakes to go to work. Xiomara... (full context)

...in her biology textbook holding two tickets to visit an apple farm. They’re clearly from Aman, and Xiomara laughs. At poetry club, Chris sings “Happy Birthday” and Isabelle gives Xiomara a... (full context)

...nothing and nowhere to go. Twin texts Xiomara immediately, but Xiomara ignores him. She texts Aman and asks if he can meet her. (full context)

...and imagines that the snow is healing, like in the movies. She isn’t aware that Aman has arrived until she smells his cologne and thinks of the memories they made. Aman... (full context)

No Turning Back. Aman tries to ask Xiomara questions, but she doesn’t hear them. She only feels his fingers.... (full context)

Taking Care. Xiomara thinks all the way up the stairs. Aman’s father works nights, so Aman spends his time listening to music and doing homework. She... (full context)

In Aman’s Arms. In Aman’s arms, Xiomara feels warm and safe. They apologize and start kissing. Xiomara... (full context)

And I Also Know. Xiomara knows they need to stop. Aman is on top of her on the couch and everything feels good, but she can... (full context)

The Next Move. Xiomara sits up, holds her bra against her chest, and waits for Aman to call her names. He touches her back, but only fastens her bra and hands... (full context)

...put them away—they always get tangled. Xiomara feels like one of those necklaces after asking Aman to stop. She feels guilty, like she wants more, but she also wants to cry.... (full context)

There Are Words. Xiomara knows that she and Aman need to talk, but they watch highlights of the Winter Olympics and fry eggs and... (full context)

...class, Ms. Galiano calls her into the hallway. Xiomara is wearing the same outfit from yesterday—Aman’s shirts were too small—and Ms. Galiano seems to know. Ms. Galiano says that she called... (full context)

...told her before that she’s free to make her own choices. Maybe in some way Aman has, since he never forces her to do anything. Xiomara thinks that Mami wants her... (full context)

...sure how Mami will react. Isabelle shares food with Xiomara during lunch and after bio, Aman holds Xiomara’s hands. Ms. Galiano gives Xiomara her cell number in case she needs to... (full context)

Aman, Twin, and Caridad; Divine Intervention. Xiomara introduces Aman to Twin and Caridad and they walk... (full context)

Friday, February 8. The Afternoon of the Slam. Aman and Xiomara go to the park. He holds her hand and they listen to Nicki... (full context)

...polished, and her new poetry notebook makes her feel like she deserves to be there. Aman’s support makes her not see the standing ovation, and thinking of English class means that... (full context)

...invite everyone to their house for pizza and rice and beans. Mami and Papi let Aman sit on the couch, but they won’t call him Xiomara’s boyfriend. Isabelle plays bachata and... (full context)

The Poet X

Aman Character Analysis

Aman Quotes in The Poet X

Part I Quotes

Part II Quotes

Part III Quotes

Aman Character Timeline in The Poet X