Double Dutch

The storm serves as a pivotal set piece, bringing the simmering tensions among the characters to a head. It symbolizes the emotional turmoil each character experiences and acts as a catalyst for revealing deeper truths about their struggles and relationships. For example, the storm parallels Randy’s increasingly untenable situation, and culminates in his decision to pawn his beloved VCR. This moment signifies not just a material loss but a deeper emotional one—the loss of Randy’s carefree, joyful childhood as he steps up and acts like an adult. 

The novel continues to examine The Psychological Toll of Secrets. Despite his obvious distress, Randy struggles to confide in Mr. Clifford, a trusted adult who genuinely wants to help. Randy’s shame and secrecy create barriers that prevent him from seeking assistance available to him, illustrating how internalized stigma can exacerbate feelings of isolation. Randy’s secrecy also poses a threat to his relationship with Delia. When he asks her for money without the means to pay it back, he grapples with the fear of losing her in addition to the very real possibility of losing his father. The novel juxtaposes Randy’s desire for connection with the shame that prevents him from being honest.

Draper uses changing weather patterns to symbolize the characters’ internal emotional states. An uncharacteristically hot day reflects the high tempers and frustrations building within the gym. Randy’s short temper manifests as he becomes overly critical of Delia, which exacerbates her performance anxiety. The connection between the oppressive heat and escalating tensions among the characters heightens the stakes, illustrating how external conditions can mirror internal struggles.

The arrival of the storm radically shifts the dynamics within the novel. Much like the hostile environment depicted in Lord of the Flies, the storm forces the characters to confront their realities and reveals their true natures. Delia’s empathy comes to the forefront. While she deeply worries for her friend Yolanda, she also expresses concern for the Tolliver twins, who are unaccounted for during the storm. Delia’s ability to extend empathy beyond her immediate circle showcases her emotional maturity and underscores her role as a compassionate character in a challenging environment.

The Tolliver twins also reveal more about themselves during this tumultuous period. Initially portrayed as menacing, they begin to challenge the perceptions others have of them. In their presentation about Lord of the Flies, they acknowledge the cruelty they have experienced rather than committing acts of cruelty themselves. This shift invites the other characters to reconsider their judgments and the effects of social marginalization and familial dysfunction. By humanizing the Tollivers, Draper underscores the complexity of her characters and the circumstances that have shaped them.