That's What Friends Are For

        Since the beginning of time, humans have always struggled in their quest to interact with one another.  Differing dispositions, contrasting body features, and disparate communication skills all contribute to infighting and unacceptance.  Yes, everyone possesses individuality—and this individuality certainly does not always lead to societal integration.  In Tom Franklin’s novel “Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter”, the main character Larry Ott presents a unique personage.  A voracious reader and an avid snake catcher, Larry has particular interests that set him apart from his classmates and family.  But even with these idiosyncrasies, if I could, I would still befriend Larry because I strongly believe that everyone deserves a friendship to support them in life.  Treated with abuse because of his uncommon mannerisms, Larry had “become an expert at reading” the disapproval of his parents (39).  Franklin indirectly characterizes Larry as reticent in order to underscore his social removal.  The discouragement frequently produced by his father compounded with the bullying of his classmates turned Larry into a perceptive child, one who could read how others look down upon him.  The author creates pathos by evoking an emotion of sympathy from those who care about the neglected.   Living in a small, isolated town, Franklin utilizes “the community of Amos” as a symbol for isolation in order to emphasize the lack of opportunities Larry had to befriend other children his age (57).  Without the benefits of friendship or the strength of a united family, Larry developed by himself, which inadvertently further fragmented his ability to interact.  Stuck in a cyclical period of disregard from others, Larry turned inward and “stayed at home” for many years (39).  Franklin’s tone of pity constructs logos by making the argument that environmental and social confinement leads to detachment.  The only way to combat Larry’s innate sadness stems from friendship.  Although Silas Jones seems to have slowly evolved into Larry’s friend, I believe the more friends the merrier.  I would befriend Larry not only because I would want to boost his self-esteem and self-worth, but also because Larry truly seems like a nice person, and I cannot imagine him purposefully trying to hurt anyone.