Thursday, June 28, 2012
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.
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I felt the same frustration as you did while reading this, and thought that his reputation around the town pushed him into isolation, where he lost any social skills he needed to defend himself. I almost thought he gave up too easily, and tried anything just to make a friend, instead of fighting for his innocence.
ReplyDeleteI agree with both of you. I wondered why he did not simply leave upon his initial ostracism, rather than allowing such slow and apathetic decay. Perhaps, though, given the same situation, some of us would eventually deteriorate into the same position. Thank goodness we will probably never find out.
ReplyDeleteAlthough Larry lives through some awful treatment, I think that Silas needs to take action moreso than Larry needs to move away. Saying Larry should leave indicates his guilt and shame, two feelings that stem from the silence of Silas.
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