Scrawl

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2006

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Download PDF

Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-8

Chapters 9-16

Chapters 17-23

Chapters 24-30

Chapters 31-38

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

Beta

Discussion Questions

Symbols & Motifs

Tod's Journal

The novel is written in a diaristic format, as Tod writes daily entries in the journal as mandated by Mrs. Woodrow. The journal begins as a punishment for destroying school property. He is initially reticent and defensive in his writing, and he doesn’t reveal the truth about the incident until the end. He questions Mrs. Woodrow’s motivations for forcing him to write in the journal but goes along with it after being left with no other choice. The journal also represents the behavioral and mental divide between Tod and his “droogs.” They are outside picking up trash and doing yardwork, while he is inside writing: “My loyal garbage-picking droogs think I’m getting my sharp edges removed by you in some weird mind game that is being played on me” (9). The “mind game” is Mrs. Woodrow’s belief in his potential for redemption via reflection in the journal.

As the novel progresses, the journal becomes a symbol for Tod’s growth, which comes about due to The Power of Self-Expression. Writing down his feelings, both of fear and joy, legitimizes them: “I wish I hadn’t written down my wish. Now I can’t pretend it never happened” (100). Putting things in writing makes them real enough that he can’t ignore them or gloss over them with a sarcastic remark and move on. Identifying and accepting his feelings is the first step for Tod to change his behavior, especially since he has Mrs. Woodrow as an actual reader of every word. In the end, Tod relishes the act of writing so much that he writes multiple entries a day, eagerly looks for Mrs. Woodrow’s marginal notes, and begins his own personal journal outside of the required punishment one. This validates Mrs. Woodrow’s belief in him.

The Sphinx Statue

Luz’s statue of the sphinx is a key symbol for Tod’s character development. The statue sits by the school entrance on a large pedestal to showcase Luz’s selection as “Artist of the Month” (39). The sphinx is unique because half of it is made up of car parts. Tod begins by admiring it, which shows his secret appreciation for art: “It looked real. Not like a real sphinx, but like a real artist made it. It was definitely a professional job. I guess it deserved to win. It’s not like there’s any competition” (41). When his friends accidentally get dirt on it, Tod wipes it away to keep it pristine. He sees the beauty in artistic expression even if he doesn’t admit it out loud.

When Tod feels rejected and angry at not being asked to audition for the play, he accidentally knocks over the pedestal and destroys the statue. He feels immensely guilty. It’s a reminder of how he has destroyed school property before, but it’s worse because this time the property belongs to someone whom he begrudgingly respects. As he looks at the broken statue, he feels a connection with it: “Now I understand our bond, I thought. I know what we have in common. The statue and I are both alike. We’re both lying busted on different sides of the same door” (93). His guilt has broken him, and he clearly sees the destructive consequences of his anger.

Instead of turning these feelings into more violence as he’s done before, Tod takes this chance to redeem himself. In his grief for the sphinx, he wishes that the statue would magically repair itself; when it seemingly does the next day, he sees this as a debt he must repay by making the play costumes. At the same time, he feels anger that the sphinx can be magically repaired while he continues to struggle. Since sphinx are symbolic guards at the entrance of tombs or temples, the sphinx partly symbolizes the socioeconomic barriers between Tod and the things he wants. Nevertheless, helping with the play gives Tod purpose and helps him enjoy being a kind person. The mystery of the self-repairing statue is later revealed to be due to Luz replacing it with another sphinx. Still, Tod subconsciously knew that there was no magic at work and simply took the opportunity to change his behavior, further suggesting his inherent kindness.

Clothing

Clothing, or the lack of it, serves as a motif to support the novel’s discussion of The Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Adolescent Behavior. Tod only has limited outfits to wear to school, which makes him a target for bullies. This bullying has, in turn, made him into a bully to redirect his anger and shame outward. Tod often laments not having the money to buy more clothes and always notices his classmates’ new attire jealously. Tod’s wardrobe also isn’t enough to keep him warm. Bernie shares this problem, as he’s constantly cold and needs Tod’s assistance in mending his only coat.

Moreover, searching for clothing for the play costumes and sewing them himself demonstrates Tod’s willingness to change and do good. He’s initially confused by his inclination to help: “What did I think I was about to do? Make these costumes myself? I don’t know how to do that. What am I talking myself into? What is Luz doing to me? Why am I cursed? Where would I even get the starter clothes?” (108) Nevertheless, Tod follows through with his decision to make the costumes, which is the catalyst for his redemption arc. While, at first, he reverts to old tactics by stealing pants and Greg’s jacket, he also goes outside of his comfort zone by using other methods of acquiring the costumes. He visits the thrift store, and more importantly, he accepts his mother’s help with mending instead of angrily turning her away. This moment shows the connection between Tod and his mother, who until this point has been portrayed as neglectful and distracted. She proves that she cares about her son and is willing to help him. Thus, clothing in the novel is instrumental in communicating its message of hope.