Ottomotive is back in buissness

After Larry "checks himself out" from the hospital at the end of the Tom Franklin's 2010 novel Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter a new chapter of his life begins to unfold for the better. Thus the most important exchange signifying this comes when Silas, whom dumped Larry as a friend and ignored him in the past, asks "you might look at the carburetor for me?" (271). This simple question has so much underlying meaning to it and represents a positive change in not only Silas' persona in that of a reignited friendship with Larry, but also Larry's acceptance in his town of Chabot. Silas acts as a synecdoche for the habitants of Chabot whom previously ostracized Larry, unfairly, but now accept him due to his proven innocence. This newfound change in acceptance presents itself in Silas' inquiry to Larry's mechanical skills left untapped due to his conviction as a killer. Throughout the novel, Franklin uses Larry's mechanic shop as a symbol of his loneliness: "the bay door always raised and waiting", "hoping for a knock, a belt to squeal" (27,95). The parallelism of his lonely life, cast aside by society finally gets put to rest when Silas asks Larry this simple question. Silas' friendly tone via the casual diction of "you" infers a level of new found intimacy with Larry that no single person has established since Cindy Walker went missing. Thus establishing he will become the first customer of Ottomotive in decades signifying a formal end to his ostracization when the bay doors click open with a defined purpose as opposed to sitting open and waiting.Furthermore, I think the synecdoche of Silas evolves through this question to hint that from now on the same people who called the poor man "Scary Larry" will now stop by his shop to get their muffler replaced and talk about the last Cubs game.

Man tears are acceptable only when it comes to Larry Ott

The author of Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter: Tom Franklin lays a heavy hand in his use of pathos throughout the novel. In particular moments I found myself on the verge of tears caused by the overwhelming sentiments of empathy felt for the ostracized, lonesome and pathetic character, Larry. For example, when saying prayers with her son, Larry's mother, on the verge of tears pleads, "Send him a friend, one just for him" (86). The assertion coming from this depressing prayer: that even as a child Larry was friendless and a social outcast. This example of pathos evokes sympathy from those who understand how hard a friendless childhood can prove to be. I myself could not help but to fall into that audience thinking back to elementary school, watching the one kid who always sat alone, the sympathetic feelings arousing themselves again whilst reading about how Larry's solitude had even began to cripple his mother. Likewise another time the authors use of pathos had me near the point of sobbing came at the beginning of the novel when Franklin depicts the dialogue spoken after the gunman in Larry's mask shoots him. "'Die.' Okay with Larry" (7). The solemn tone via the gloomy diction of "die" made my stomach sink. The short and choppy syntax of the word packs so much power when spoken as a command. Yet, the following sentence made my gut wrench in empathy. The assertion coming from Larry's acceptance of death sums up his life in one fell swoop. A pitiful existence, one filled to the brim with nothing except lonely days and quiet nights, living in hatred and solitude in the only place he can call home. The short and blunt syntax of this sentence evoked a sadness deep down for Larry's plight, so horribly solemn that he willingly invites death.

Wallace "Stingey"fellow

The character that brings me the most angst in Tom Franklin's 2010 novel Crooked Letter, Crooked letter: Wallace Stringfellow, a grimy, drug addicted alcoholic does so due to his twisted morals and psychotic reasoning, despite befriending Larry. For example, after getting intoxicated and high, regular activities for him, he mentions how girls "like it, getting raped" (179). The disturbing tone, brought about by the insanity of the claim that girls enjoy such atrocity indirectly characterizes Wallace as lopsychotic and twisted. Therefore, I have developed an almost hatred for this character and his malicious persona. I cannot have enough sympathy for poor old Larry Ott so when Wallaces dialogue finally hit me I began to come to another more sinister conclusion about the malacious Wallace Stringfellow.I am beginning to think that Wallace killed Tina Rutherford making me detest him even more, letting the town blame Larry eventually leading to his shooting. As far as I am concerned that stands as just about the most dastardly thing that pothead could possilbly do. Likewise, when discussing his fantasies Wallace describes hoe he would "throw them on the floor" and "Gag em" (179). The casualness with which wallace describes his theoretical actions furthers the assertion that Wallace is a maniac, consequently leading me to develop a fierce aversion towards him. Further adding a tinge of mental instability to his already malicious persona. I have a resentment unlike any other character in the book towards Wallace and his killer-like mentality. In order to say such atrocious alarmed chunk of his brain must have up and left thanks to his love for drugs and alcohol. They say hugs not drugs for a reason but I would never want a hug from this creep.