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March 13, 2006
The River
O'Connor, ''The River'' -- Jerz: American Lit II (EL 267)
"His name was Harry Ashfield and he had never thought at any time before of changing it. 'Bevel,' he said."
When Harry decideds to tell Mrs. Connin that his name is Bevel like the preachers, I think this is the first time we get to see that Harry is not happy being Harry Ashfield. He had not tried to chagne his name before but when he hears that the preachers name is Bevel and how much of a big deal Mrs. Connin makes about this great and wonderful preacher, Harry realizes that he wants to be recognized as great and wonderful also. So why not call himself Bevel after someone else who is great? The little boy thought this a good idea to get the attention on Mrs. Connin and to feel great for once himself.
Also in this quote, it shows that the boys last name is Ashfield. I found this appropriate and ironic because in the story it talks about the cigarette ash trays and how Harry dumps them on the floor of his home. His mother obviously has major problems with alcohol and smoking. Ashfield is his last name and his home is a Field of Ashes.
Not particurally on the topic of just O'connor's "The River," but a question after reading both of O'connor's first stories in his book....Are they all this depressing?
Posted by TerraStumpf at March 13, 2006 01:59 PM
Comments
Thank you, Terra! I had never before seen the significance of Harry changing his name. I had honestly until this moment considered his changing his name to be the whim of a child. This is excellent foreshadowing that I never would have otherwise picked out that Harry will eventually end up rejecting - in his simple little-boy way - the entire screwed-up world of his parents.
Posted by: Megan Ritter at May 2, 2006 08:06 PM