I really don’t like Cal. I mean I really don’t like him. In fact, I might just deign to use the word despise. Cal’s subversive, calculated plot to lure in troubled teens is absolutely contemptible. Granted, the blame for Donny’s eventual disappearance does not lie entirely at his feet – his parents are certainly not models of discipline – but Cal’s abuse of his power as Donny’s counselor as well as his exploitation of the trust Donny’s parents put in him, leave me with absolutely no compassion for him as a character.
Some other characters at least have semblances of excuses. Daisy is an extremely flawed character, worrying too much about appearances, not giving her daughter enough attention, and putting too much stock in Cal’s soothing words. However, she truly cares for her son and tries to help him with his homework. She sacrifices her time and money to give Donny the support he needs. As a reader, I may dislike her, but I feel sympathy for her. Even Donny can claim the excuse of poor parenting and a dysfunctional family. Yet Cal’s only justification for his actions is that he was once married to a woman who was “too controlling.” After he has further destroyed Donny’s life, he blames it all on Donny and does not accept any responsibility. No, Cal is not deserving of our sympathy. He is a worthless leach who preys on the most vulnerable group in society, its youth. (248)
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1 comment:
Mark--You're not the only blogger this week to rip on Cal, but you are one of the more eloquent, in lines like "Cal is a worthless leach who preys on the most vulnerable group in society, its youth."
Well said.
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