Sunday, February 10, 2008
Blankets
I chose the passage that is right at the beginning of section IV, Teen Spirit (pages 323-333) The section starts with Craig and Phil in bed, and Phil tries to play a trick on Craig, acting like he peed on him. At first, Craig is doubtful, but when Phil pulls his pants down, Craig freaks out, and takes revenge. Phil tries to explain that it was a joke and that no one is capable of peeing just one drop, but Craig states that if Phil can do it, so can he. Craig soon realizes it is not possible, and tries to comfort his younger brother, which shows that he really does care about Phil. His younger brother doesn't accept the apology, and ends up peeing all over Craig. Their mom walks in the room as Phil is peeing on Craig. It is awkward and disturbing. They both realize their actions were wrong. Craig's flashback on the incident is to demonstrate a milestone in his life--taking his first shower, sparking maturity. I found it interesting how in the last illustration on page 332, Craig's arms are wrapped around himself, covering his body, due to shame and his sinfulness, and on the next page, he is in the same position, in a whole different environment, years later. I think it's saying that even after maturing from the pee night, he still feels the same shame and insecurity. It's because he knows he is involving himself in sinful activities he does not feel right taking part in. I feel like this section was included to somewhat entertain it's audience, however, I was a little disturbed. I think the author's purpose for involving the "pee" incident is to illustrate the two boys' immaturity, and show how Craig grows through the situation.
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2 comments:
I agree that this childhood incident was a disturbing and awkward one. I appreciated the honest approach that Thompson used to show this type of shame and sinfulness, as you expressed. The flashback to his childhood experience is effective in showing the reader how Craig has grown, while continuing to struggle with issues of self-shame and his own conception of "sin"--good analysis so far!
Ah, how cool! I didn't even notice that he was in the same position in the new scene, as he was in the shower! I saw the next page as a completely new scene and therefore didn't even see this connection. Thanks for pointing this out. :)
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