The Contrast Between Myth and Reality

The novel shows how legends and perceptions often differ from reality, as seen with Chopper, Ace Merrill, and the boys' own self-images.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Chopper the Dog

Chopper the Dog The Legend Chopper is rumored to be a hellhound that can sic specific body parts. The boys are terrified of him. The legend is larger than life. The Reality When Gordon sees Chopper, it is just a medium-sized mongrel. The dog is not the monster of legend. The contrast is comical and revealing. The Lesson The experience teaches the boys that myths are often exaggerated. The real danger is not the dog but the angry man behind it. The novel suggests that we often fear the wrong things.

Ace Merrill's Image

Ace Merrill's Image The Teenage Hood Ace is the tough guy, feared by all. He drives a flashy car and carries a knife. His image is one of power and danger. The Middle-Aged Man Years later, Gordon sees Ace as a fat, ordinary man. The feared hood has become a mundane mill worker. The image has faded. The Irony Ace's decline is a reminder that the tough guys of youth often become the nobodies of adulthood. The myth of Ace Merrill is just that: a myth. The reality is far less impressive.

Friday afternoon, at the dump

1960 and 1980