Themes and Characters

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In his adult fiction, Tarkington tackles a variety of social issues, but he intentionally steers clear of these in the Penrod series. He believes that a book depicting boys authentically should not include adult issues that boys typically overlook. As a result, Tarkington does not focus on developing themes in Penrod; his primary aim is to meticulously capture the miniature world of boys. Despite its limited objective, conceived before World War I disrupted the innocence of American youth, Penrod offers an engaging and thought-provoking narrative.

Tarkington crafts detailed depictions of Penrod and his friends; while the inner workings of the characters' minds are not deeply explored, their behavior is charmingly illustrated. The key figures in the book are Penrod Schofield, a creative and slightly naughty boy, his dog, Duke, and his best friend, Sam Williams, who is described as "congenial to Penrod in years, sex and disposition." Other children featured in the book include Marjorie Jones, "amber curled and beautiful," the affluent Maurice Levy, the brothers Herman and Verman, and Georgie Bassett, known as "the Little Gentleman." The humor in the book arises from the often surprising reactions of the characters to various situations. Within its focused scope, Penrod offers reflections on the essence of childhood.

Although many of Penrod's escapades are specific to the era and setting Tarkington portrays, today's youth may still relate to some experiences—being tormented by a bully, getting caught daydreaming in class, hosting a backyard circus, or overeating at a fair. Tarkington recreates the uncomplicated world of youth, and while the emotions and dramas of childhood might seem trivial to adults, Tarkington understands they are significant to the young people experiencing them. This is what gives Penrod any lasting value it may possess; it is a book that allows young people to see others like themselves and gives adults a chance to revisit a world they have left behind.

Characters

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At twelve, Penrod Schofield maintains "an expression carefully trained to be inscrutable." This is the facade he shows to adults, essential for a boy who is part swindler, part performer. According to Tarkington, childhood is inherently amoral, with adult values being adopted only gradually. The true nature of Penrod, his best friend Sam Williams, and their Black companions, Herman and Verman, is something most adults have forgotten. Tarkington's depiction of boys is genuine, at least within the constraints of his particular style of realism.

In contrast, Tarkington's portrayal of young girls tends to be rather conventional, often prim and pretty. For instance, Marjory Jones frequently tells Penrod that he is the worst boy in town, yet she also sees him as her personal Caliban. This view flatters Penrod, but he craves more of her attention and fantasizes about dramatic ways to capture it.

Adults occasionally disrupt the boys' world. Mr. Schofield often fails to comprehend his son, sometimes declaring him insane or threatening to send him to military school for discipline. He occasionally resorts to spanking. In contrast, Mrs. Schofield is much more understanding. Tarkington does not delve deeply into the adult characters in these stories, as his focus is on portraying realistic boys. The adults serve as minor characters in these narratives.

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