Page 1: Introduction to Larry Ott and Thematic Overview
The opening page introduces the central character of Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter, Larry Ott, through a quote by Haruki Murakami: "Sometimes it's not the people who change, it's the mask that falls off." This quote sets the tone for exploring Larry's character development and the perceptions others have of him.
The narrative is framed as a presentation about "Scary Larry," examining how an unseen boy transforms into a suspected kidnapper, rapist, or murderer. The structure of Larry's life is compared to that of a drama, beginning with an exposition that describes him as a lonely and invisible boy who finds solace in reading.
Quote: "And Larry Ott, he was just a hick that nobody liked. How come? He was weird. Lived so far out in the country he didn't have any friends."
This quote illustrates Larry's isolation and the prejudice he faces from his community. The text emphasizes Larry's struggle for acceptance, showcasing moments where he seeks recognition but is deliberately ignored by his peers.
Highlight: The relationship between Larry and his father is described as strained, drawing parallels to other literary father-son dynamics, such as in "Martyn Pig."