In the thirty-one-page first chapter of her novel, Lock and Key, Sarah Dessen incorporated the word “threshold” three individual times; the context around the normally mundane word captures attention and opens the door for the novel to take shape, while also introducing an intriguing duality. As Dessen uses the word “threshold,” it demonstrates an initial uncertainty and hesitation in some of the main characters, while simultaneously symbolizing endless possibility. To view the nine-letter word in this way instead of as a boundary changes the expectations for this novel immensely. This is compared to Saul Bellow’s novel, Seize the Day, where there is a quiet hope in the main character that is overshadowed by his constant misfortune and the
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This draws parallels to Walter Kerr’s nonfiction novel, The Decline of Pleasure, in which he proposes his concepts about sources the of societal happiness and unhappiness. Unhappiness, in Kerr’s mind, is the result of many factors, but the most relevant for the characters of Lock and Key and Seize the Day is that they are placing too much value in themselves based off of their success or failure. Furthermore, the characters do not initially demonstrate an ability to distinguish between dwelling on previous mistakes and contemplating them, in order to think logically and see the full picture, and then using it as a learning …show more content…
Firstly, Ruby in Lock and Key has been a self-sufficient person since she was a young girl, living alone with an alcoholic and apathetic mother. Early in the novel, Ruby describes herself as the “go-between, [her] mother’s ambassador to the world,” and tells of her long days at school which turn eventually turn into nights working with, and sometimes in place of, her mom (Dessen 6). After her mother disappears with her cash supply and other items of importance, Ruby is left to her own devices, attempting to pay the bills, stringing up her laundry, and living without heat. Even though she was not living up to other’s standards of living, Ruby was determined to prove that “[she] didn’t need [her mom], either” (Dessen 13). This sense of independence and need to be self-sufficient are deeply instilled in her, and when Ruby’s entire world is shifted by becoming a dependent in her sister’s care, it is an understandable shock to her system. Her demeanor at the beginning of she and Cora’s relationship is understandably hesitant, as she is not yet ready to relinquish control. Ruby views her ability to take care of and stand up for herself as one of her greatest attributes, so letting someone who has hurt her in the past, also by abandonment, step in and make decisions on her account is an obstacle that she works through over the course of the
This draws parallels to Walter Kerr’s nonfiction novel, The Decline of Pleasure, in which he proposes his concepts about sources the of societal happiness and unhappiness. Unhappiness, in Kerr’s mind, is the result of many factors, but the most relevant for the characters of Lock and Key and Seize the Day is that they are placing too much value in themselves based off of their success or failure. Furthermore, the characters do not initially demonstrate an ability to distinguish between dwelling on previous mistakes and contemplating them, in order to think logically and see the full picture, and then using it as a learning …show more content…
Firstly, Ruby in Lock and Key has been a self-sufficient person since she was a young girl, living alone with an alcoholic and apathetic mother. Early in the novel, Ruby describes herself as the “go-between, [her] mother’s ambassador to the world,” and tells of her long days at school which turn eventually turn into nights working with, and sometimes in place of, her mom (Dessen 6). After her mother disappears with her cash supply and other items of importance, Ruby is left to her own devices, attempting to pay the bills, stringing up her laundry, and living without heat. Even though she was not living up to other’s standards of living, Ruby was determined to prove that “[she] didn’t need [her mom], either” (Dessen 13). This sense of independence and need to be self-sufficient are deeply instilled in her, and when Ruby’s entire world is shifted by becoming a dependent in her sister’s care, it is an understandable shock to her system. Her demeanor at the beginning of she and Cora’s relationship is understandably hesitant, as she is not yet ready to relinquish control. Ruby views her ability to take care of and stand up for herself as one of her greatest attributes, so letting someone who has hurt her in the past, also by abandonment, step in and make decisions on her account is an obstacle that she works through over the course of the