PLEASE RESPOND TO THE FOLLOWING POST OF ANOTHER CLASSMATE IN 50 WORDS OR MORE:
1. After reading “Victory Lap” by George Saunders, I have conflicting thoughts regarding the character Alison. The story begins from Alisons point of view and includes her age, starting off by stating “Three days shy of her fifteenth birthday.” She comes across younger than fifteen by her description of everyone being a “good” person and dancing around her home. The author uses, “Don’t you understand, all people deserve respect? Each of us is a rainbow,” inferring that Alison has been sheltered. It would appear Alison was raised in a home full of love and acceptance but also lack of exposure to the real world or ugliness that exists in the world. I personally found her to be naive and trusting.
2. When we are introduced to the character Kyle, you are immediately made aware he is even more sheltered than Alison. I would even say his parents exert extreme control over his entire being, leaving him little autonomy. Kyle is an only child, conceived after several failed IVF treatments, who has allergies, and born to intelligent OCD parents. His parents put a lot of emphasis on order and focus their energy on the perception of perfection, from their home to their son Kyle.
3. The kidnapper is clearly mentally ill. During the kidnapping the author reflects on the preparation the kidnapper had made, “He had the speech down cold. Had practiced it both in his head and on the recorder: Calm your heart, darling, I know you’re scared because you don’t know me yet and didn’t expect this today but give me a chance and you will see we will y high. See I am putting the knife right over here and I don’t expect I’ll have to use it, right?” Allowing the readers to understand the kidnappers mental state and is not in touch with reality but believing he can live out this fantasy with Alison. I believe everyone is redeemable in some capacity and think people suffering from mental illness due not fully understand their actions or the impact they have on others. Why I do not find mental illness to be an excuse for crime, if properly treated and monitored, it could prevent crimes from happening.
4. The story could have ended in a variety of ways. I enjoyed the way the author ended the story from Alisons point of view in the form of a nightmare. It showed one of the possibly outcomes that could have happened but also what did not happen. This ending show readers the impact crime has on victims, along with how the mind can twist events and memories. This is commonly referred to as PTSD.
5. The authors choice of title is interesting. “Victory Lap” ties together the two children who are the main characters of this story. Alison who views the world like a fairly tail and Kyle who is invested in running. The story begins with Alison depiction of herself being admired while coming down the stairs, like a princess, who wants a prince to win her over. “Victory Lap” makes me think of Kyle’s pride for stopping the kidnapping and also possibly winning Alisons affection. Tying the two characters together.
6. How would Kyle’s parents feel about breaking their rules?
Reference:
Saunders, George, 2009, “Victory Lap.” The New Yorker, https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2009/10/05/victory-lap