Fiction Paper Final Draft
Hunter Worthington
Professor Carol Briley
English 102
3 March 2015
Violent Rite of Passage
Joey R. Poole presents an intriguing story in “The Hand-Me-Downs.” Simon is a straight shooting kid that follows rules and does not ask many questions. But later in the story, the reader can tell that the violence surrounding Simon erodes his attitude. He begins to stand up to his brother and he begins to understand that he has free will. At the beginning of the story, the reader can tell that Simon is a typical innocent young kid but by the end of the story, the reader is convinced otherwise. Simon changes as the story progresses representing a dynamic character rather than a static character.
The innocence and virtuousness that Simon possesses is shown by his thoughts and actions. It is apparent that Simon is naïve when it comes to violence in the world because he does not even know what rape means when he is told the girl that used to live in their house was raped and killed. When Simon finds the doll that his brother kills, he “turned her face-down with his toe before he shut off the spigot.” Simon does not like violence and he tends to shy away from it. He shows respect for the doll when he turns it over because he is a kind, thoughtful person. He also shows that he follows rules when he “wait[s] exactly twelve minutes” while his brother places the body and hides. Simon is a thoughtful kid that tries to avoid trouble and maintains respectful intentions.
Simon’s personality does not allow him to protect himself from stronger personalities. Simon’s brother Ricky is a strong willed person, and Simon follows his brother’s commands and does not stand up for himself. He would much rather stay inside and play video games than be outside playing the investigation game that his brother finds entertaining. Simon grows tired of the game but he does not quit, he just “accepted the doomed hunt as his lot in life.” Even with a game that includes Simon being shot, he simply waits
Professor Carol Briley
English 102
3 March 2015
Violent Rite of Passage
Joey R. Poole presents an intriguing story in “The Hand-Me-Downs.” Simon is a straight shooting kid that follows rules and does not ask many questions. But later in the story, the reader can tell that the violence surrounding Simon erodes his attitude. He begins to stand up to his brother and he begins to understand that he has free will. At the beginning of the story, the reader can tell that Simon is a typical innocent young kid but by the end of the story, the reader is convinced otherwise. Simon changes as the story progresses representing a dynamic character rather than a static character.
The innocence and virtuousness that Simon possesses is shown by his thoughts and actions. It is apparent that Simon is naïve when it comes to violence in the world because he does not even know what rape means when he is told the girl that used to live in their house was raped and killed. When Simon finds the doll that his brother kills, he “turned her face-down with his toe before he shut off the spigot.” Simon does not like violence and he tends to shy away from it. He shows respect for the doll when he turns it over because he is a kind, thoughtful person. He also shows that he follows rules when he “wait[s] exactly twelve minutes” while his brother places the body and hides. Simon is a thoughtful kid that tries to avoid trouble and maintains respectful intentions.
Simon’s personality does not allow him to protect himself from stronger personalities. Simon’s brother Ricky is a strong willed person, and Simon follows his brother’s commands and does not stand up for himself. He would much rather stay inside and play video games than be outside playing the investigation game that his brother finds entertaining. Simon grows tired of the game but he does not quit, he just “accepted the doomed hunt as his lot in life.” Even with a game that includes Simon being shot, he simply waits