Zusammenfassung der Ressource
How does Cormier present the character of Larry LaSalle
- The character of Larry LaSalle is vital to the plot and themes of Heroes: Cormier presents him in opposition to Francis and uses him to explore the central issues of the novel
- This ambiguity about LaSalle’s character is continued through the book, reflecting the theme of concealment and revelation
- ‘dazzling movie-star’
- Cormier uses this technique of foreshadowing and undermining throughout the novel
- Interweaving time lines, leads to the reader being fed information bit by bit
- creating a sense of suspense
- LaSalle is also presented as a man whose public appearance conceals what is really beneath the surface
- ‘Silver Star’
- Francis knows what he is really like makes this appearance seem more sinister. The heroic exterior is undermined
- Cormier contrasts the hideous exterior of the veteran Francis with the memory of the beautiful LaSalle
- Comrmier has created the picture of the beautiful but dangerous monster, when he finally confronts him, LaSalle is presented as a shell of his former self
- sinister aspects of LaSalle’s character are fully highlighted ‘sweet young things’
- manipulate Francis to the very end
- characters in his novel are not black and white but inhabit a grey area
- It is LaSalle that Cormier uses to ask the central question of the book: ‘Does that one sin of mine wipe away all the good things?’
- Cormier manages to present LaSalle as deluded about the damage which he has caused, but also contrasts the two sides of his character
- Cormier uses LaSalle to show that people need to see heroism, even if on closer examination that heroism is flawed.
- Cormier is asking how far any good he did achieve, in boosting the children’s confidence
- Therefore, LaSalle is presented as being central to the themes of concealment and revelation, and of what makes a hero; he is never allowed to become a complete monster, but is a much more subtle character