Setting
The narrative unfolds in the quaint town of McKinley, Minnesota, during the contrasting seasons of summer and winter in 1958. With a population hovering between 900 and 1200—though the Chamber of Commerce eagerly opts for the larger number to draw in visitors—McKinley embodies the quintessential small, comfortably prosperous Midwestern hamlet, rooted in agriculture and lumber. In this close-knit community, where everyone is familiar with each other and their stories, life revolves around the bustling twin outdoor ice rinks.
One rink is dedicated to the elegance of skating, while the other hosts the intense excitement of hockey. The nearby warming house serves as a cozy refuge, where skaters can lace up their boots or escape the biting cold. These rinks pulse as the heart of social life, drawing residents in the late afternoon for invigorating activity, lively entertainment, juicy gossip, and the occasional hint of romance. Here, people of all ages—adults, teens, and children alike—mingle effortlessly, whether engaging in chaotic hockey matches with teams boasting a dozen players each or gliding gracefully on the skating rink to the nostalgic tunes of scratchy records that echo with waltzes and marches.
Literary Qualities
Paulsen masterfully places Carl Wenstrom at the heart of his novel, where he shines as an original, captivating, and unconventional character. By crafting a narrator who is otherwise unremarkable—save for their keen ability to observe and interpret—Paulsen ensures Carl's extraordinary nature remains the focal point.
Contrasting Worlds
The novel elegantly weaves together contrasting worlds, both in plot and theme, as well as in its characters. McKinley is a town divided into two distinct realms: the adult world and the adolescent world. Though they are not adversarial, they are markedly different, each brimming with its own passions and concerns. In the northern reaches of Minnesota, only two true seasons exist—gentle summer and harsh winter. Each season brings its own pursuits: the languid days of summer beckon fishing, while the icy grip of winter calls for skating.
Skating itself presents two divergent faces—hockey, which thrives in the communal chaos, and dance, which flourishes in private rhythm. Minor characters mirror the major ones, providing a counterbalance. Cully Fransen and Pisspot Jimmy, the town's drunkards, highlight what Carl is not. Meanwhile, Willy contemplates timeless philosophical dilemmas, while Marsh focuses on immediate concerns. The flirtatious exchanges between Mr. Melonowski and Miss Johnson contrast Carl's distinctive courtship of Helen, emphasizing Carl's unique approach to love.
Paulsen orchestrates these narrative elements with the precision of a ballet choreographer, where the chorus echoes, reinforces, and extends the intricate steps of the lead dancer.
For Further Reference
Biographical and Bibliographical Insights
Brown, Muriel W., and Rita Schoch Foudray. "Gary Paulsen." In Newbery and Caldecott Medalists and Honor Book Winners. New York: Neal-Schuman Publishers, 1992: 324-326. This entry catalogs an array of accolades, a bibliography, and provides intriguing background reading about Paulsen up to the year 1991.
In-Depth Interviews
Coil, Marianne. Interview. Standing Room Only. National Public Radio. WFYI, Indianapolis. April 7, 1994. In this engaging interview, Coil delves into Paulsen's latest novel, Winterdance: The Fine Madness of Running the Iditarod, exploring his fascination with the race alongside snippets of the author's recent personal experiences.
Devereaux, Elizabeth. "Gary Paulsen." Publisher's Weekly (March 28, 1994): 70. In an insightful dialogue, Devereaux uncovers the tale behind Paulsen's career resurgence in 1983 and his prolific output since 1985, while also shedding light on his most recent ventures.
Author Analyses and Commentary
Commire, Anne, ed. "Gary Paulsen." In Something About the Author. Vol. 54. Detroit: Gale Research, 1989: 76-82. This piece offers a comprehensive look at Paulsen's career trajectory, accompanied by a catalog of his creations up to 1987.
"Gary Paulsen." In Authors and Artists for Young Adults. Vol. 2. Agnes Garrett and Helga P. McCure, eds. Detroit: Gale Research, 1989: 165-173. This article meticulously chronicles Paulsen's works through 1988, weaving in biographical threads from interviews and articles by Marguerite Feitlowitz, Maryann N. Weidt, and Franz Serdahely.
"Gary Paulsen." In Children's Literature Review. Vol. 19. Gerard Senick and Sharon R. Gunton, eds. Detroit: Gale Research, 1990: 167-178. Beginning with an overview of Paulsen's oeuvre up to 1985, this essay features author-commentary derived from Maryann N. Weidt’s work, offering critiques on a selection of Paulsen's children's literature up to 1988.
Insights from the Author
Serdahely, Franz. "Prolific Paulsen." Writer's Digest (January 1980): 20-21. Although somewhat dated, this article remains a treasure trove of insights into Paulsen's early writing years, his creative habits, and advice destined for aspiring writers.
Trumpet Video Visits Gary Paulsen. Directed by Diane Kolyer. Trumpet Club, 1993. 24 minutes. This engaging visual experience introduces young audiences to Paulsen himself. Brief remarks on his works like Canyons, The Cookcamp, Hatchet, The Monument, The River, and The Winter Room are made, yet the true essence lies in the glimpses it provides into his writing process.
Weidt, Maryann N. "The Fortunes of Poverty." Writer's Digest (January 1992): 8. Weidt crafts a concise yet inspiring piece for writers facing adversity, rooted in Paulsen's reflections on the challenging periods of his literary journey.
