Discussion Topic
Analysis of Arnold's behavior and the reactions of other characters following Eugene's death in "The Stone Boy."
Summary:
In "The Stone Boy," Arnold's behavior following Eugene's death is characterized by emotional detachment and silence, which others misinterpret as coldness and guilt. The characters react with suspicion and ostracism, assuming Arnold's lack of visible grief indicates a lack of remorse. This leads to a growing alienation, as Arnold's internal struggle and the community's judgment create a chasm between him and those around him.
Why does Arnold behave like a 'stone boy' after Eugie's death?
Another reason Arnold acts like a stone boy after Eugie's death is that he is in deep shock; he has just experienced a traumatic event. At nine years old, Arnold struggles to process the impact of his actions. Like many victims of trauma, Arnold falls back on shock and denial as a response. He commences picking peas calmly, as if he hasn't a care in the world.
Upon closer examination, however, the reader realizes one thing: Arnold is cognizant of the fact that his brother will never wake again. However, Arnold is so severely traumatized that he can scarcely feel anything. In fact, he doesn't feel the numbing effect of the cold pods "until some time" has passed. Victims of psychological trauma often resort to emotional detachment in an effort to inspire some sort of emotional equilibrium in their lives. Arnold essentially becomes a "stone boy." He resorts to this...
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coping mechanism in order to deal with his grief.
We can see evidence of Arnold's emotional detachment when he coolly announces Eugie's death to the rest of his family. Later, when the sheriff questions him, Arnold's answers are short and blunt. Again, he shows little emotion, and the sheriff concludes (unfairly) that Arnold feels "nothing" about Eugie's death. The sheriff's assumptions cause Arnold to question his own sanity and humanity.
We can see the dramatic irony here: Readers know that Arnold isn't the unfeeling boy everyone concludes he is; he is merely so traumatized that he has difficulty processing his feelings. However, none of the other characters in the story seem to understand this. Arnold's family keeps him at arm's length, while the sheriff rejects any idea of Arnold being sorry for his actions. Additionally, the neighbors express little sympathy for Arnold.
For his part, Arnold tries to approach his mother in the night in order to pour out his grief and terror. However, he finds himself rejected and humiliated. In the end, Arnold receives no comfort or solace from his mother. Later, he frightens even himself at his own lack of emotion; essentially, he goes back to being a "stone boy" in order to maintain some measure of self-respect and sanity.
In "The Stone Boy," how do other characters treat Arnold after Eugene's death?
In "The Stone Boy," Arnold and his brother Eugene are going to pick peas when Arnold's rifle accidentally discharges, killing Eugene. Instead of immediately going for help, Arnold picks the peas until the sun rises, and then tells his parents. The reaction towards his actions is shocked and hostile; the sheriff wonders why he didn't go for help, and comes to the following conclusion:
"Well, all I can say is," he said across to Arnold's father and Uncle Andy, "he's either a moron or he's so reasonable that he's way ahead of us." He gave a challenging snort. "It's come to my notice that the most reasonable guys are mean ones. They don't feel nothing."
(Berriault, "The Stone Boy," Google Books)
For the rest of the story, Arnold's family and the people who come over to console them treat Arnold as an outsider, almost as if he is not there. The men comment that Arnold is "reasonable," since he knew instinctively that nothing could be done, and he conscientiously performed his job instead of breaking down in tears. However, this also makes Arnold seem heartless and without compassion; Arnold, for his part, is still young and cannot fully understand his feelings. At first, he bottles his emotions up inside rather than risk more hostility; when he goes to his mother for comfort, she rebuffs him. By the end of the story, the hostility that Arnold feels from others -- especially his family -- has altered his thinking, and he starts to believe that he is meant to live without feelings.
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