Larry LaSalle Flashcards
(21 cards)
Chapter 5
Francis recounts Larry’s achievements but he suggests that they were only cosmetic (on the surface).
“He tamed the notorious schoolyard bully… ‘But he still beats up kids in the schoolyard’ Joey LeBlanc observed.”
Chapter 5
First description of Larry LaSalle.
Emphasises his good looks.
Francis clearly admires him.
“A tall slim man stepped into view, a lock of blonde hair tumbling over his forehead, a smile that revealed dazzling movie-star teeth.”
Chapter 5
As a teacher, Larry has a responsibility to all the children in his care.
Larry is also described as an athlete and a dancer - everyone in Frenchtown is impressed by these qualities.
Francis’ language shows his admiration for Larry.
“He was most of all a teacher.”
Chapter 5
This is the first hint that something is wrong with Larry in the flashback narrative.
Francis uses the language of celebrity to characterise Larry’s appeal to the people.
“There were dark hints that he had ‘gotten into trouble’ in New York City… The air of mystery that surrounded him added to his glamour.”
Chapter 6
In the present, Francis’ description of Larry has become an insult.
He sees him as fake and insincere.
“I watch for Larry LaSalle, for that Fred Astaire strut and the movie-star smile.”
Chapter 7
Larry makes it clear that there is a special bond between the three characters
He shouldn’t have favourites but he breaks this ‘rule’
“I’m not supposed to play favourites, Francis, but you and Nicole are special to me.”
Chapter 9
Larry is the first ‘victim’ of the war.
The war is having a physical effect on him.
“We were stunned to suddenly see Larry LaSalle featured in the Movietone News. He was unshaven, face gaunt and drawn, eyes sunk deep into their sockets.”
Chapter 11
The introduction to this chapter builds up anticipation.
Larry’s heroism will contrast with his actions at the end.
“Lt. Lawrence LaSalle… holder of the Silver Star for acts of heroism… was coming home on furlough.”
Chapter 11
Larry is described like the typical movie war hero.
Movie heroes are only actors, however, and their performance is a fraud.
Reference to ‘movie-star smile’ reminds us he is a fake.
“A moment later, Larry LaSalle stood on the platform, resplendent in the green uniform… He smiled, the old movie-star smile.”
Chapter 11
The movie-star image is contrasted with one of violence.
Larry is a killer and Francis implies he is dangerous.
“Fred Astaire still in his walk but something different about him. His slenderness was knife-like now, lethal.”
Chapter 11
Francis reminds us that Larry is admired by everyone in Frenchtown.
This helps to reinforce his unforgiveable behaviour towards Nicole later in the chapter.
“Larry was our hero, yes, but he had been a hero to us long before he want to war.”
Chapter 11
There is a sexual chemistry between Nicole and Larry.
Does Francis misinterpret Larry’s feelings towards Nicole?
“His eyes moved to Nicole and I saw the rush of affection on his face.”
Chapter 11
There is something suspicious about the fact that an adult wants to spend his time with children.
Francis is providing clues for the reader.
“‘I’m glad to be home, even if it’s only for a little while… And most of all I want to be with the Wreck Centre gang.’
Once again he made us feel special.”
Chapter 14
Larry has changed physically.
He is like the other war veterans in that the war has had a major impact on his appearance.
Does Francis feel pity for him?
“He is pale, eyes sunk into the sockets like in the newsreel at the Plymouth, and he seems fragile now, as if caught in an old photograph that has faded and yellowed with age.”
Chapter 14
Larry is still trying to teach Francis.
Is Larry’s physical appearance a symbol of what he has done?
“Don’t be afraid to show your face, Francis. That face, what’s left of it, is a symbol of how brave you were, the Silver Star you earned…”
Chapter 14
Larry tries to take the blame away from Francis.
He tries to make him realise it wasn’t his fault.
Does Larry feel guilty?
“Oh, Francis. You’re too hard on yourself. You didn’t do anything you should feel guilty about, that should make you want to die. You couldn’t have stopped me anyway, Francis. You were just a child.”
Chapter 14
It is suggested that Larry has done this before.
Larry sees the girls as treats or gifts - he tries to excuse his behaviour.
“‘The sweet young things, Francis. Even their heat is sweet…’
Sweet young things. Had he done it before?”
Chapter 14
The most important quote in the novel! The nature of heroes is the main theme in the novel.
Cormier leaves it up to the reader to decide.
Francis avoids answering the question.
“Does that one sin of mine wipe away all the good things.”
Chapter 14
Why does Larry care what Francis thinks?
“If I want one thing, it would be to have you look at me again the way you did at the Wreck Centre. When I was the big hero you say I was.”
Chapter 14
Larry recognises that Francis is a true hero.
Typically Francis rejects this - he has no faith in himself.
“‘Let me tell you one thing before you go, Francis. You would have fallen on that grenade anyway. All your instincts would have made you sacrifice yourself for your comrades.’
Still trying to make me better than I am.”
Chapter 16
Describes Larry’s effect on the children.
Contrasts the public and private life of Larry.
“‘Don’t say it, Francis. I know what he was. For a while there he made me feel special. Made us all feel special.’”
