An insightful novel makes for an insightful post.

My completion of the novel Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter resulted in a personal insight on human habits and life's path. Author Tom Franklin, also a professor at the University of Mississippi, utilizes his intelligence and addresses a multitude of life's inevitable challenges and mysteries. Larry's ostracism and Silas's hidden secrets both serve as pivotal focal points in the novel, addressing the themes of judgement and redemption. To begin, my own sympathy for 'Scary Larry' reminded me of the dangers of judgement. After waking up (more than once) to a demolished mailbox, Larry realized: "he alone had been targeted" (231). As if the vandalism itself did not already cause enough grief, Larry's acknowledgement that the punks directed their prank directly at him heightens the intensity of the situation. The victim's misfortune creates pathos, which evokes emotion from both sides of the judgement spectrum. Franklin uses this sympathy to display his assertion that many misjudge 'different' for 'weird.' Larry's broken property symbolizes the emotional damage that results from unfair societal exclusion. This exclusion intensified Larry's responsibility within the murder mysteries, in which many of Chabot's resident blamed him by "cashing in on Larry's reputation" (224). The act of taking advantage of one's vulnerable reputation reminded me, again, of the consequences of exiling others. Living in Chagrin Falls, I tend to believe everything I hear. However, Franklins assertion encourages me to avoid automatic categorization and preconceived notions. Another insight I gained upon completion of the book was the past's responsibility for the future. Past mistakes "always seem to come back" repeatedly throughout the novel, particularly Silas's secrets (215). Silas's chance for redemption underscores Franklins assertion that the past proves inescapable and shapes the future. However, Silas's decision to free himself of guilt by resurfacing the past revealed to me the positive effects of previous wrongdoings. Franklin aims his universal themes to those across globe, and encourages them to think twice before making assumptions about others. Similarly, Franklin addresses all humankind to remind us all of the power of the past. He has certainly shaped my own views on human tendencies, making the novel worthwhile and insightful. 

Scary Larry: Not so scary?

While reading the second third of Tom Franklin's fictional crime novel *Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter*, Larry Ott's reputation as a malicious women-killer angered me. Ott experiences a shunned entrapment by his intolerant small town, similar to that of the author's upbringing in rural Alabama. Growing up in Chagrin Falls, my own experience with the whispers of tight communities can barely compare to the ostracism imposed on Larry. Many of Chabot's residents have dubbed Ott as "Scary Larry," a nickname commonly used by those who have never even looked Larry in the eye (145). Larry's direct characterization as 'scary' truly reveals his town's ability to categorize and judge. Although the townspeople rightfully pair together Larry's 'date' with Cindy Walker and her disappearance, the reader knows his innocence in the case. This dramatic irony directly results in my frustration, knowing that Larry receives wrongful accusations and rejection. Wallace, his own friend, believes Ott "'did away with that girl,"' with which Larry responds by "'looking down at his feet"' (164). Larry's 'friend' serves as a synecdoche, representing the mass of people who charge Larry as guilty. On a larger scale, Wallace's accusation underscores Franklin's assertion that humans tend to have preconceived notions of others. As if Wallace's audacity did not evoke enough indignance from me, Larry's lack of defense presents a bigger problem. Ott continually displays an indifferent, and almost casual demeanor to Chabot's allegations. Instead of trying to convince Wallace of his innocence, Larry pleads, "'Help Wallace, God. Please"' (182). Ott's desire to help his naysayers indirectly characterizes him as selfless, further heightening my contempt towards his violent reputation. "Scary Larry" possesses no mean bone in his body, yet a whole town successfully believes in his responsibility for the death of two young women. Franklin narrates this miscommunication to connect with those who judge others, and encourage them to refrain from making assumptions. After reading of Larry's struggle with the suspicion of his community, I encourage victims of judgement to separate themselves from the rumors and persevere.

Forgive or Forget?

Most people struggle with the emotional and daunting task of forgiveness, a seemingly simple act from the surface. Author Tom Franklin explores this theme and the conflicts surrounding it within the characters from his fictional crime novel Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter. Franklin narrates the unlikely friendship between Larry Ott, a white, middle-class child, and Silas Jones, the son of a single black mother in 1970's rural Mississippi. However, this era's racial tensions led to the demise of the two boys' bond, after Larry's exchange of a discriminating insult. I highly advise Silas to forgive Larry's mistake, and rekindle the connection they once shared. Larry's unrevealed affiliation with a past missing persons case has fostered suspicion and hostility from many townspeople, including chief investigator Roy French who characterized Ott as an "'unusual fellow'" (64). The investigator serves as a synecdoche for those who do not tolerate nor understand Larry's reserved disposition. Silas's hesitance towards forgiving Larry most likely results from fear of judgement from men like French. Similarly, Larry's direct characterization as 'unusual' reveals the negative sentiment felt towards him within his community, Silas included. However, Jones's past experiences with Ott include memories that rise above suspicions of violent behavior. As a child, Larry introduced Silas to a gun and encouraged him to "'Go on, keep it"' (54). Larry's offer indirectly characterizes himself as generous, juxtaposing the townspeople's views towards him as malevolent and abnormal. Silas's positive, personal experiences with the shunned man should overcome his hesitance and eventually lead to forgiveness. I believe Jones, one of the few people who shares a genuine connection with Larry, should take advantage of this connection and free Ott of his ostracism. Although Larry made a discriminatory and patronizing comment to Silas as a child, Franklin reveals '"the memory shamed him"' (50). Larry's indirect characterization as guilty further defends my belief that Larry deserves to repent. The pathos created by Ott's shame evokes sympathy from those who seek redemption, and underscores Franklin's assertion that past mistakes should be forgiven. Although Silas experienced inevitable anger in response to the  insult, only he can free Larry of his embarrassment. The shunned man himself reached out in hopes of closure, and pleaded for Silas to contact him '"even if it's late'" (69). Larry's determination to speak to Silas illustrates his vulnerability and overwhelming guilt. Dramatic irony results from the readers knowledge of Larry's precarious injury, and that Silas possesses a small margin of opportunity to redeem his childhood friend. In my opinion, Jones should respond to Ott's persistence and absolve him of his derogatory comment. Although Franklin does not expose Larry's actual responsibly behind the community's suspicion, character development forces sympathy upon Ott. I highly encourage Silas to offer forgiveness, which will ultimately manifest itself in the heal of a broken bond, and insight into the crimes involving the missing women.