Ok, so I know that this is not going to be an easy task to defend a perceived creeper. But I will try my best, if only for argument's sake.
First, I work at a preschool so I can attest to the difference between little boys and little girls. There is a different connection that a grown man would have with a little boy and a little girl (and I know this might sound a little creepy, but let's all be mature about this). I seem to have a stronger connection with the girls at the preschool than the boys. Sure, some of the boys who are a little bit younger than what Lily is will throw the football around with me or something, but a lot of the little girls just like to hold my hand or sit next to me as I read them a story. Personally, some of the girls at the center absolutely melt my heart. In a purely non-gross way I can see why Jim Willis would want to hold Lily's hand and talk to her if she really is as cute and sweet as Freeman makes her out to be. Sure, there could be something totally wrong going on in his mind, but maybe Lily just melts his heart. If that is the case, there is absolutely nothing wrong or creepy with that. As a matter of fact, Jim does think she is a very young girl, as he "looked at her with surprise" (420) when she revealed she was 14 years old.
Now, after Jim realized that Lily was actually 14, he may have become attracted to her. Is that disturbing? Yes, probably so. But, the thing to remember is that during Freeman's time period, it was very common for girls as young as Lily and even younger to get married, usually to complete strangers. For example, my great grandmother married at the age of 12 to my great grandfather in an arranged marriage. Although the age difference between Lily and Jim would have been pretty wide (I'm assuming Jim is her father's age), again that wasn't unheard of, even in today's world (the age gap, not 14 year old girls getting married). It is a very creepy for Jim to be sexually attracted to Lily in our perspective, but it must not have been as big of a deal back in the early 20th century. It seems to me that Old Mrs. Magoun's problem was more with Jim ("One of them Willises!") (424) than with Lily actually marrying. I know she was protective, but I would argue that Barry's desertion of Lily's mom jaded Old Mrs. Magoun, and she would approve the right man for Lily to marry (but that is a moot point since Old Mrs. Magoun never gave Lily the chance).
Anyway, I'm just curious if anyone else would even want to defend Jim Willis. I would have no problem with Jim if his connection with Lily was simply a protective or loving connection. However, for Jim to have a sexual attraction to Lily is pretty disturbing, and I honestly just presented this argument for argument's sake. Thoughts?
Very Interesting, Ryan! When Jim Willis was first introduced, my initial response was "Oh No! A creepy child molester!" Then I began to view his behavior as more fatherly then predator. Later in the story, it does appear that Willis has some intention in mind for Lily. The reader never gets confirmation of what those intentions are but it appears dishonorable. Unfortunately, I am unable to find any reason to defend him even though he never "officially" does anything wrong in this story.
ReplyDeleteI agree Angela, I think that Freeman is making the reader judge the character without giving much information. Jim Willis could either be a really big creep, or he could just want to adopt Lily to give her a better life. As a reader, it is our job to decide how we view him.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great option you presented! It would be nice to think that Jim is a warm-hearted man that just wants to provide this innocent child with the opportunity to grow up (in a non sexual manner). I wish we were informed of what promise he had made because I believe that would solidify my opinion towards his character. There are just too many options to choose from for me to come to a conclusion and maybe that is just what Freeman intended. If Freeman can make Lily's alternative appear potentially harmful, then the impact of her murder can be viewed a bit lighter because, regardless of which option she faces, she is ultimately doomed.
ReplyDeleteAs much as I would love to know what the promise was, that would take all the speculation out of the story. This way, I can (more than likely) fool myself into thinking that Jim just wants to adopt Lily to provide her a less sheltered, healthier life!
ReplyDeleteIn response to Ryan's last comment:
ReplyDeleteI'm very much intrigued by the idea that maybe "Jim just wants to adopt Lily to provide her a less sheltered, healthier life." If that were the case, then a whole new light would be cast on Old Woman Magoun. She would more definitively be the villain in the story because her motive would not be one of love but one of selfishness. She would have killed Lily not to protect her but to keep anyone else from having her.
Interesting! i give you credit just for trying to make him out not to be a creeper :)
ReplyDeleteRyan,
ReplyDeleteYou always have some of the best posts, if not the best posts on this site. I always love reading what you have to say (even if I don't necessarily agree with it).
I personally have no interest in defending Jim in the story, because I still think that his attraction to Lily is disturbing. But I like how you sometimes play the devil's advocate.
I also enjoy Ryan's devil's advocate playing. He does it very well and makes some bold statement. Even this title is provocative.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the props guys!
ReplyDelete