Alienation and being an outsider.‘This Boy’s Life’Tobias Wolff

Jack:

Many of Wolff’s characters are outsiders, or characters that perhaps do not fit the mould of the 1950’s All American.

This is amplified when we consider that the outsiders exist in a town with generally, small-minded attitudes.

Some of the characters want to be accepted, but cannot.

Others deliberately defy society’s expectations.

Jack:Jack experiences alienation and loneliness,

but he is a survivor and overcomes the challenge.

“Sometimes…I felt lonely.” (11)“I lived in perpetual dusk.” (82)He and Rosemary move around a lot, so

friendships he forms are left behind.Most of Jack’s friends are outsiders whose

behaviours put them on the edge of society.Some of their behaviour is decidedly anti-

social, even criminal.They want to be “cool”, but are “claimed by

uncoolness”.

Jack:Jack’s conflicting identity contributes to

his outsider status.The brave, heroic and academically gifted

young boy he presents to some, or the delinquent outlaw who steals, smokes and vandalises.

He cannot be both, therefore belongs to neither.

Jack:

Clothing / appearance.Jack’s preoccupation with uniform and dress he feels, is important in identifying and excluding those who don’t belong.

Army fatigues; Scout uniform; Hill Uniform.

He gets kicked out of Hill, reaffirming his status as an outsider.

Arthur Gayle:

A “sissy”; “The uncoolest boy in the sixth grade”.

Jack’s kindred spirit – an outsider who shares similar interests.

He has to suppress who he really is – “hold his tongue and refrain from eccentric behaviour.”

He modifies his behaviour to “fit in” with the “dull, straight arrow” model citizens” in order to survive.

Others:

Dwight: An inadequate and insecure man who tries too hard to measure up to stereotypical versions of masculinity.

Rosemary: As a single, working, gun-toting mother, she defies every stereotype in the book.

Task:Explain why the names below could be considered outsiders / alienated.Arthur Wolff:Kathy: Chuck Bolger:Welch family:Tina Flood:Kenneth:Jewish people: