Although I enjoyed many of the
characters throughout Crooked Letter,
Crooked Letter, I especially liked Silas “32” Jones. Tom Franklin, who
earned his MFA in fiction, describes Silas as a brave boy who never let court-ordered
integration hold him back. Silas ignored cruel racism to become a baseball
star even though one in eight Americans still identify as racist. As a result
of his perseverance, I believe Silas deserves two Potter-filled gifts for his
birthday: polyjuice potion and a time turner. Silas’ first gift, polyjuice
potion, gives him the ability to change into another character. Silas admits to
Larry Ott, his boyhood friend, that he would often “wish I [Silas] was you
[Larry]” as a child (256). Franklin applies situational irony in regards to the
social status of both men. Why would Silas, a respected official, wish to
become a hated man? Silas needs the polyjuice potion in order to experience
Larry’s constant searing loneliness. Another fantastic birthday present for
Silas would come as the time turner. For example, Silas describes the night he “took
the car” without permission (203). By utilizing the car as a symbol for Silas’
wrongdoings, Franklin creates a remorseful tone. If Silas had a time turner, he
would have the ability to respect his mother’s wishes and show his love.
Franklin again illustrates Silas’ remorse through Larry Ott. Silas never
admitted to having accompanied Cindy Walker on the night she disappears,
leading everyone to assume Larry’s guilt. When discussing the decision, Silas
states he wishes he could “‘do it differently’” (207). Through the regretful
connotations of “differently,” Franklin implies Silas’ ongoing guilt. With the
help of the time turner, Silas could face his cowardly past in order to clear
Larry’s name. Throughout the novel, Franklin impresses upon those with guilt in
their lives to confront their pasts. Even without a time turner, one can still
try to right their wrongs. He also advises those who envy others to hold back
their jealousy. I personally loved watching Silas grow to his full potential,
and I hope that others who feel lost in their lives can gain the confidence
that Silas emulates.
I completely agree with you that Silas needs a time turner in order to clear Larry’s name. However, I also think that Larry needs a time tuner to save their overall friendship. If Larry could go back in time, he could change the result of their fight and take back his harsh words that destroyed the friendship in the first place. This could also change Cindy’s disappearance, because if the boys remained friends the disaster date would not have occurred.
ReplyDeleteStrong writing in these entries! I especially like the gifts you have chosen for Silas. Whereas I tend to harbor more angst for Silas, you bask in his growth as a person, which I admire. I think that Franklin would want readers to have more of the reaction that you have.
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