Taylor GudenkaufEnglish 1101
4 September 2016
Prof. Young
Who are the main characters thus far? How do you know? How is Friendswood described?
Friendswood by Rene Steinke takes place in a small town in Texas that is filled with fields. Due to chemicals in the chemical runoff, the ground has areas of sludge that are causing health problems that the EPA is not taking care of. In a town where everyone knows everyone, this town is held together by their faith. For example, Sy Turner's friend preaches to Lee, "Let every soul be subject to the higher powers. For there is no power but of God" (4). It seems that years after the chemical episode, the town is left in ruins- "there were still a few abandoned homes left standing" (6).
Lee is an activist who is motivated by the death of her daughter. Her husband Jack left her due to her consumption of Rosemont. She is the "unofficial guardian, filling up empty, sterilized jelly jars with dirt" (6). She seems to always be lost in her thoughts. Jess, Lee and Jack's daughter died from cancer that was caused by the chemicals in the ground and seeping into the air. Lee feels helpless because she could not save her daughter.
Hal is a realtor who is not making sales. He is very unhappy, is an alcoholic, and had a seven week affair. He really wants to be successful, but is currently struggling. Hal and his son Cully connect through football.
Willa seems to be shy and has hallucinations. It can be assumed that Willa may have been raped- "That night in the spring, at the stadium near the concession stand, she and Dani had been talking to him, and he jokingly put his arm around Willa, let his hand rest on her shoulder for a few seconds, and when his fingers flicked at the seam of her shirt, it knocked the breath out of her" (21). It should also be noted that Willa may have a crush on Cully.
Lee is an activist who is motivated by the death of her daughter. Her husband Jack left her due to her consumption of Rosemont. She is the "unofficial guardian, filling up empty, sterilized jelly jars with dirt" (6). She seems to always be lost in her thoughts. Jess, Lee and Jack's daughter died from cancer that was caused by the chemicals in the ground and seeping into the air. Lee feels helpless because she could not save her daughter.
Hal is a realtor who is not making sales. He is very unhappy, is an alcoholic, and had a seven week affair. He really wants to be successful, but is currently struggling. Hal and his son Cully connect through football.
Willa seems to be shy and has hallucinations. It can be assumed that Willa may have been raped- "That night in the spring, at the stadium near the concession stand, she and Dani had been talking to him, and he jokingly put his arm around Willa, let his hand rest on her shoulder for a few seconds, and when his fingers flicked at the seam of her shirt, it knocked the breath out of her" (21). It should also be noted that Willa may have a crush on Cully.
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