I am unsure if Berniece actually saw a ghost, or if she made it up. It seems more likely that she would make it up, doing so would give a valid reason for Boy Willie to leave. However, Doaker says that she doesn't make things up. It's interesting that from the beginning of a book, main characters are being analyzed, and the author makes the reader take a side to trust the character or not.
For Harrison's blog
I agree with your analysis. Especially when you ask why. Maybe the piano has something to do with a ghost or apparition? There have already been reports of two ghosts: the one that supposedly pushed Sutter in, and Sutter himself.
I also think it is rather strange that a ghost was mentioned. Maybe Berniece really did see something. If she did, then this book just got a supernatural theme to it that bends reality a little. If she was lying, then I agree that she was probably trying to scare Boy Willie away. Personally, I find the first possibility more interesting.
ReplyDeleteI agree that one motive for Berniece to make up the ghost would be to persuade Boy Willie to leave faster; however, it also seemed to be a very real experience for her. It seems as though this could relate to a memory from her past that would explain why Berniece would have so much fear upon the sight of Sutter. I also think that the author has a very unique way of portraying the characters that leads you to assume and question different things about each one of them.
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