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.