Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter

In the first introduction to Larry in Chapter 1, Larry details an intricate portable chicken coop he has constructed with lawn mower wheels, a detachable fence, and a tractor pull. Larry wants to allow the chickens to roam free, since he “always felt bad that the hens always lived their lives in the same tiny patch” (2). The portable cage allows Larry to transport the chickens to different parts of the property and let them roam and eat to their hearts’ content, without the danger of losing them or allowing them to get attacked by a predator. Larry’s concern and care for his chickens gives insight to his gentle nature, casting doubt onto his reputation as the town monster who abducts teenage girls. This project also gives insight into Larry’s internal sadness, since he, like the chickens, has been contained to one small area for his entire life. Because of his reputation, Larry never went to college, never got married, and never made friends. Instead, Larry lives out his life in his parents’ house, relying on mail-order books to bring a little bit of the outside world to him. Unlike the chickens, Larry remains trapped.