The Mouse Who Became A Lion
...ly neglect him as they make several stops to eat and get warm on their way to the hospital. Frank and Tub’s neglect is exhibited as they exit the first roadhouse and Wolff writes, “Kenny had tried to get out of the truck but he didn’t make it. He was jackknifed over the tailgate, his head hanging above the bumper” (125). The gunshot wound inflicted by Tub is clearly causing Kenny pain and suffering. Yet, Tub and Frank don’t feel it necessary to help their friend, not even by bringing him inside to get him warm. To exemplify this fact even further, they both take Kenny’s blanket; his only means of comfort: ‘they’re not doing him any good,’ Frank said. ‘We might as well get some use out of them’ (127). Although one of them could have stayed in the back with Kenny to hold the blankets on him, they decided to take them from him, assuming that they weren’t helping. This, along with the two examples stated above, provide substantial evidence to conclude that Tub has successfully achieved his revenge over Kenny. All three examples are the result of Tubs actions; actions which could have been avoided. However, just as Tub proves to us above, they weren’t. They were carried out without any feelings of regret. Just as we see Tub acquire power from Kenny, the same can be seen from Frank by bestowing his trust and forgiveness upon Tub. In response to Franks comment “‘you fat moron’ and ‘you aren’t good for diddly,’” Tub unleashes his feelings, forcing Frank to submit to an apology (123). Wolff writes, “‘All right,’ Frank said. ‘No more…no more talking to me like that. No more watching. No more laughing.’ ‘I’m sorry, Tub.’ Frank touched him on the shoulder” (123). This is the first instance in which Frank relinquishes control over Tub. Another is seen when Frank unveils his secret relationship with the underage Roxanne Brewer. In revealing his secret, Frank has put complete trust into Tub. With consequences of such information getting out into public including conviction and jail, Frank is now at Tubs mercy. In light of this fact, Frank’s feelings towards Tub in relevance to Tubs next mistake are anything but scornful. Upon continuing their trip to the hospital, Tub turns ...