Turner

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In The Nickel Boys, by Colson Whitehead, Turner is the main friend of Elwood. Turner has a different view of the world than Elwood. When Elwood is discussing how African Americans can fight back Turner responds that it barely works out there and asks him "what do you think it's going to do in here?" (Whitehead 82). Turner also shows Elwood the reality of the school. Turner shows Elwood what "out back" really means (Whitehead 104). He also says that only African Americans are subject to this and makes Elwood understand the unfairness of it all. When Elwood goes to the hospital room after getting beat, he sees Turner there. Turner ate soap powder just to avoid work and school. This shows how awful Nickel Academy is, that someone would choose to get their stomach sick rather than attend the school.

     Turner is jealous of Elwood having a grandmother who visits and brings cookies. He also thinks Elwood can be insensitive saying that he wears "blinders" (Whitehead 105). Elwood cares about changing the laws but Turner brings up an example of a diner that was closed to African Americans. Even after it was open, Turner didn't have the money to eat there so he didn't care. He also thinks that Elwood is "soft" and nerdy with an "irritating tendency to preach" (Whitehead 103). However, Turner thinks that Elwood is "sturdy" (Whitehead 103). This ability to trust him is why he told him that the boxing match was rigged. This feeling of trust allows Turner and Elwood to be friends, even though they have different ideas about the world.
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Comments

  1. Megan CaoJanuary 12, 2020 at 9:26 AM

    Wow Sohil! Do you think you are an Elwood or a Turner? Do you have a "soft" and nerdy friend? Or do you have a "sturdy" friend? I'm very curious!

    ReplyDelete

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