What is the meaning/significance of the possum beating scenes? Is this explained in the book?
OT, it took me out of the movie when Poncelet said, "I've never had shrimp before". That's like someone from Maine saying they've never had lobster.
What is the meaning/significance of the possum beating scenes? Is this explained in the book?
I think the opossum incident is Helen's way of relating to Matt. She herself was swept up in the moment, influenced by peer pressure, and did a sickening, cruel thing that she has never stopped regretting. But does that make her an evil person? It demonstrates that no one is entirely defined by a single act, and that we have all done bad things for which we deserve to be punished. What gives the state the right to put Matt to death for his senseless, cruel act, when Helen is held up as saint like in spite of her own dark secret?
Of course, a child who is still learning right from wrong and developing empathy is not the same as an adult who should know better, but it's how Helen is able to empathize with Matt as she struggles to understand him.
Thank you so much for that elaboration, JumeirahSun, fo I came here looking for an explanation too. I just hadn't thought it through and pondered the symbolic relevance.
I am guessing this really happened and was taken from the book given that Sister Helen is a real person? Whether your explanation is accurate or not I do feel it is entirely likely and a very good analysis. Thanks again for your excellent description/explanation/interpretation for it makes perfect sense now!
"These days you have to boil someone before you can sleep with them"