Emily - Blog Post #2

I find that Farmer’s writing when it comes to characterization is creative and profound. Characterization (so far) has interested me the most about this novel, because I find that she explores all kind of characters as well, such as foils, dynamic characters, and stock characters. An example of a foil would be between Celia and Rosa, as they are both caregivers for Matt, but Celia acts as a more motherly and caring character, and Rosa acts like Matt is the most disgusting thing in sight and is constantly scolding him. Another foil in the novel so far is between Matt and Tom. I find Matt to be a humble, curious and kind character, and Tom is basically the opposite. On page 13 there is a conversation between Celia and Matt, where Celia explains that Tom is always teasing Maria and playing tricks on her. "She at least has good manners. Her sister, Maria, is about your age and plays with Tom. Well, some might call it play. Most of the time she winds up crying her eyes out." (Farmer 13). Later on throughout the novel, while Matt is imprisoned, you see Tom’s true colours comes out when he shows up only to make fun of Matt and shoot peas at him. Although it is not as prominent, I still think that she touches on stock characters when it comes to the children. I find Tom the stereotypical little boy that’s always getting into trouble, and Maria to be a stereotypical character that is always teased by a Tom-like character.