Stephen Graham Jones explores a new side of horror in 'I Was a Teenage Slasher'
In NPR's Book of the Day podcast, Stephen Graham Jones explores his latest novel, "I Was a Teenage Slasher." Set in a small Texas town, the book follows 17-year-old Tolly Driver as he unexpectedly transforms into a slasher—a figure who doles out brutal justice to wrongdoers.
Jones draws parallels between Tolly's unlikely path and his own journey into becoming a writer. The author delves into the moral implications of the slasher premise, pondering if the threat of such retribution could deter unethical behavior. As Tolly navigates his new role, guided by his horror-loving friend Amber, Jones examines themes of morality, justice, and solidarity in the face of adversity.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Jul 29, 2024 episode of the NPR's Book of the Day
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1-Page Summary
Tolly Driver's Transformation
The setting is the small Texas oil town of La Mesa in 1989. 17-year-old Tolly Driver, an outsider in La Mesa, undergoes a transformation mirroring the Wolfman story, where an "infection" leads to change. Tolly's best friend Amber, a horror fan, helps guide him through this unexpected journey into becoming a slasher.
Tolly's Origin Story
Tolly, a good kid who's faced tough times like his peanut allergy causing tragedy, never expected to become a slasher. His friendship with Amber, another outcast, anchors the story's themes of solidarity.
Embracing the Role
While reluctant to kill, Amber educates Tolly on the slasher's brutal duty to punish wrongdoing. Tolly wrestles with this black-and-white morality, seeking gray areas to give people second chances.
A Personal Parallel
Author Stephen Graham Jones, who never planned on becoming a writer, sees parallels between Tolly's transformation and his own unplanned path. Jones draws from personal experiences to craft Tolly's story.
Moral Implications
Jones muses that the slasher genre, with its premise of a killer dispatching justice for misdeeds, could inspire people to do less harm out of fear of such retribution. Envisioning a punishing slasher might deter unethical actions.
1-Page Summary
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Clarifications
- Tolly's transformation into a slasher in the story involves a symbolic change where he adopts the persona of a slasher, a character known for punishing wrongdoing through violence. This transformation is guided by his friend Amber, who introduces him to the concept and educates him on the slasher's role. Tolly grapples with the moral implications of this new identity, questioning the black-and-white morality of the slasher archetype and seeking a more nuanced approach to justice. The transformation reflects a deeper exploration of personal growth, moral dilemmas, and the influence of external factors on one's identity.
- The moral implications of the slasher genre revolve around the idea that the portrayal of a killer dispensing justice for wrongdoings in movies could potentially deter individuals from engaging in unethical behavior due to fear of retribution. This concept suggests that the fear of facing consequences similar to those depicted in slasher films might influence people to act more ethically to avoid such punishment. The genre's exploration of vigilante justice through violent means raises questions about the effectiveness and ethics of using fear as a deterrent for immoral actions. It prompts reflection on how media representations of extreme consequences for wrongdoing can impact societal behavior and moral decision-making.
- Stephen Graham Jones is a well-known author known for his works in the horror genre. He often draws inspiration from his personal life experiences to create compelling and relatable characters and stories. Jones' own unexpected journey into becoming a writer parallels the transformation of the character Tolly in his work, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative. By infusing his own experiences into his writing, Jones brings a unique perspective and emotional resonance to his storytelling.
Counterarguments
- The transformation into a slasher as a form of justice is a problematic trope that glorifies violence and simplifies the complexity of moral judgment.
- The idea that fear of retribution from a slasher could deter unethical actions is a questionable moral lesson, as it suggests that fear, rather than understanding and empathy, should be the basis for ethical behavior.
- The parallel drawn between Tolly's transformation and the author's career path could be seen as trivializing the serious implications of becoming a killer, even in a fictional context.
- The notion that a slasher's duty is to punish wrongdoing perpetuates a vigilante justice perspective, which can undermine the rule of law and due process.
- The story's reliance on the theme of solidarity among outcasts might inadvertently reinforce stereotypes about social outcasts being associated with dark or violent tendencies.
- The use of a peanut allergy as a plot device could be seen as insensitive to those who suffer from such allergies in real life, depending on how it is portrayed in the story.
- The concept of a "brutal duty" to punish wrongdoing assigned to a slasher character may be seen as an unhealthy portrayal of responsibility and could send a negative message about dealing with personal trauma and adversity.
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The setting and background of the novel
The narrative unfolds within the small, oil-drenched confines of La Mesa, Texas, during the year 1989, a time when the town's heartbeat is deeply intertwined with the rhythms of the oil industry.
La Mesa, Texas is the small, oil-country town where the story takes place in 1989
La Mesa, home to around 10,000 souls, is quintessentially characteristic of oil country locales. The landscape presents itself as endlessly flat, a feature that is only occasionally broken by the ubiquitous presence of mesquite trees scattered as far as the eye can see.
The protagonist, 17-year-old Tolly Driver, is an outsider in La Mesa along with his best friend Amber
In this town where everyone knows each other's business, Tolly Driver, a 17-year-old ...
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The setting and background of the novel
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Clarifications
- La Mesa's ties to the oil industry are significant due to the town's economic reliance on oil production, shaping its culture and daily life. The oil industry influences job opportunities, social dynamics, and the overall atmosphere of La Mesa in 1989. Oil prices, drilling activities, and the presence of oil companies impact the town's prosperity and the experiences of its residents.
- La Mesa's social dynamics are shaped by tight-knit relationships and a strong sense of community. The town's social fabric is influenced by traditional values and a close-knit network where gossip spreads quickly. Being an outsider in La Mesa can lead to isolation and challenges in fitting in with the established social circles. The oil industry plays a significant role in shaping the town's economy and social structure, impacting how individuals interact and form connections within the c ...
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Characterization of the protagonist Tolly and his relationship with Amber
Tolly Driver, central to the plot of the novel, is portrayed as a good kid who has found himself entangled in several challenging circumstances.
Tolly is portrayed as a good kid who has been through some hard times
At 17, Tolly Driver is not inherently bad, but he has experienced some tough situations. His peanut allergy serves as a catalyst for a tragic event in 1989, where it causes the death of nearly everyone around him, marking a pivotal moment in the story.
Tolly's friendship with Amber is a central relationship in the novel
Amber Bigplume Dennison stands by Tolly as his best friend. Their status as outcasts in La Mesa's social circles unites them. Together, they spend Friday nights driving in her rabbit truck, feigning a sense of belonging. This dynamic between Tolly and Amber echoes the quintessential horror narrative of outsiders coming together, and it is their unyielding bond that cements their lifelong solidarity.
Amber, who is a passionat ...
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Characterization of the protagonist Tolly and his relationship with Amber
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Actionables
- You can explore the impact of past events on your present by writing a personal narrative that highlights a challenging moment from your childhood and how it has shaped you today. This exercise can help you understand the role of past experiences in your current identity, much like Tolly's history with his allergy informs his character.
- Start a tradition with a close friend that involves a regular, simple activity, such as a weekly walk in a park or a shared hobby. This can strengthen your bond and provide a sense of belonging, similar to Tolly and Amber's Friday night drives.
- R ...
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Tolly's journey and transformation into a slasher
Tolly's journey in Stephen Graham Jones's narrative is one of unexpected change, mirroring the Wolfman's story where an infection leads to a startling transformation.
Tolly's transformation is inspired by the Wolfman story, where a character is "infected" and undergoes a change
Initially oblivious to the deep implications, Tolly begins to display characteristics akin to the Wolfman from the iconic 1941 story. These emerging traits, he soon learns, will assist him on his quest for justice as a "slasher," a term that signifies more than just a character archetype, but an impending duty and purpose.
Tolly doesn't initially realize the significance of the changes he's experiencing
Stephen Graham Jones portrays Tolly Driver as a character who inherently resists his new role. Unlike the archetypal slasher who dispatches justice without hesitation, Tolly harbors a reluctance to kill, preferring to grant others leniency, if possible.
Amber helps educate Tolly on what it means to be a slasher and the role he's destined to play
Amber comes into Tolly's storyline as a beacon of understanding. Her knowledge of slasher films becomes crucial as she educates Tolly about his transform ...
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Tolly's journey and transformation into a slasher
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Counterarguments
- The transformation being inspired by the Wolfman story could be seen as derivative rather than innovative, lacking originality in the horror genre.
- Tolly's lack of initial awareness might be criticized as a clichéd narrative device, delaying character development for dramatic effect rather than organic storytelling.
- Tolly's reluctance to kill could be interpreted as a lack of commitment to the slasher archetype, potentially disappointing fans of the genre who expect a more traditional approach.
- The role of Amber as an educator to Tolly might be viewed as a convenient plot mechanism to expedite Tolly's understanding of his role, rather than allowing him to discover it through personal struggle and experience.
- The desire for a gray area in the moral dichotomy of slasher stories could be seen as a ...
Actionables
- You can explore personal transformation by journaling your reactions to new experiences, noting how they differ from your past self. Start a daily journal where you write about any new feelings, thoughts, or behaviors you notice. This can help you track your personal growth and understand the significance of changes in your life, much like Tolly's transformation.
- Develop empathy by practicing active listening during conversations, focusing on understanding the other person's perspective without judgment. Make a conscious effort to listen more than you speak in your next discussion with someone, especially if it's a topic where you might have differing opinions. This mirrors Tolly's reluctance to harm and his preference for leniency, as it encourages understanding over conflict.
- Engage with complex moral questions by reading books or watching films that challenge the good versus ev ...
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The author's approach to writing about the slasher genre
Stephen Graham Jones provides insight into his unique approach to exploring the slasher genre, connecting his writing to his personal journey and pondering the genre’s influence on morality.
The author wanted to explore the slasher genre from every angle, including from the killer's perspective
Stephen Graham Jones expresses a compelling desire to delve into the slasher genre from an all-encompassing perspective that includes the outlook of the slasher himself. He aims to understand the slasher’s thoughts, visions, articulations, and reminiscences. According to Jones, this exploration is akin to discovering a fresh entry point into the genre—something he now believes he should have considered much earlier in his writing career, possibly as far back as five or six books.
This is a new approach the author feels he should have taken earlier in his writing career
Jones hints at a reflective transformation in his career as an author, addressing an altered approach to writing that he now considers. This shift in perspective resembles as if he is no longer just a spectator of his narratives, but rather an integral part of their creation.
The author sees parallels between his own unplanned path to becoming a writer and Tolly's unexpected transformation into a slasher
Drawing on his own life experiences, Jones intimately informs the character development of Tolly. Jones himself never initially aspired to be a writer; with prospects of farming or manual labor more likely for his future, ending up as an author was an unexpected twist in his life’s narrative, mirroring Tolly’s unforeseen transformation within the story.
The author drew on his own life experiences to inform Tolly's character and journey
When it comes to crafting ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
The author's approach to writing about the slasher genre
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Counterarguments
- While Jones believes exploring the slasher genre from the killer's perspective is innovative, some might argue that this approach has been explored in various forms of media and literature, and it may not be as groundbreaking as suggested.
- The notion that Jones should have adopted his new writing approach earlier might be countered by the argument that an author's style and approach naturally evolve over time, and earlier works might have required a different perspective to be effective.
- The impact of an author's personal journey on character development can be significant, but it could also be argued that relying too heavily on personal experience may limit the d ...
Actionables
- Explore storytelling from a new angle by writing a short story from the antagonist's viewpoint to understand their motivations and backstory.
- This exercise can deepen your empathy and creative thinking skills. For example, if you're familiar with a classic fairy tale, try rewriting it from the villain's perspective, exploring their history and the reasons behind their actions.
- Reflect on past decisions and consider how a different approach could have led to alternative outcomes.
- This strategy can help you develop a growth mindset and improve decision-making in the future. Start by thinking of a significant decision you made in the past. Write down how you approached it and then brainstorm other methods you could have used. Consider what might have changed if you had taken one of those alternative paths.
- Use personal experiences to create a detailed charact ...
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