Setting and Context of Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter
Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter is set in the state of Mississippi, known for its rich natural landscape and complex social history. The novel paints a vivid picture of rural Mississippi, characterized by rivers, kudzu-covered fields, and vast open spaces.
Highlight: Mississippi is described as the poorest state in America, undergoing a slow process of industrialization while still heavily reliant on agriculture.
The infrastructure is portrayed as underdeveloped, reflecting the state's economic challenges. This setting provides a crucial backdrop for the story's themes of isolation and social division.
Example: The protagonist's home is described as having a muddy driveway and bobwire fence, with the nearest neighbor a mile away, emphasizing the rural and isolated nature of the setting.
The novel also touches on Mississippi's cultural heritage, particularly its music.
Highlight: Blues and jazz are mentioned as important parts of Mississippi's culture, alluding to the state's significant contribution to American music history.
The community depicted in the novel is described as segregated, both in terms of race and economic prosperity. This reflects the state's historical context, including its past as a Confederate state that supported slavery and remained segregated after 1865.
Vocabulary: Mississippi Blues Trail - A collection of historical markers and sites that tell the story of blues music in Mississippi.
Introduction to Larry Ott
Larry Ott, the central character of Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter, is introduced as a 41-year-old single man living in Mississippi. His character is painted with complex and intriguing details:
- He owns a car shop and works as a mechanic.
- Larry has grey hair and is described as poor.
- He was recently shot by a masked assailant.
- Due to events in his past, he is not allowed to carry a gun.
- Larry was a suspect in a case 25 years ago but was not found guilty.
- He is an avid reader and maintains a strict daily routine.
Characterization: Larry Ott's character in Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter is portrayed as isolated and somewhat mysterious, with a troubled past that continues to affect his present life.
Larry's home and personal space provide further insight into his character:
- His mailbox is described as tilted and always full, suggesting a lack of social connections.
- He owns a zombie mask from his childhood, which is now worn by his attacker.
- His room is clean, tidy, and filled with books, indicating his orderly nature and love for reading.
Unresolved Mysteries
The novel introduces two unsolved cases that seem to be central to the plot:
- The disappearance of Cindy Walker 25 years ago, in which Larry was a suspect.
- The more recent disappearance of the Rutherford girl.
These unresolved mysteries create an atmosphere of suspense and hint at the complex relationships and hidden secrets within the community.
Highlight: The unresolved cases in Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter serve as a narrative device to explore themes of guilt, suspicion, and the long-lasting impact of past events on a small community.
Atmosphere and Tone
The novel's atmosphere is established through descriptions of the weather and landscape:
- The weather is described as rainy and cloudy, with an impending storm.
- The time is set in early September.
This gloomy and foreboding atmosphere contributes to the overall tone of the novel, reflecting the tension and unresolved conflicts within the story.
Example: The description of Larry's isolated farm, with its sodden green field and nearby woods, adds to the sense of isolation and mystery pervading the narrative.
