The Institute

The motif of Tim as a knight begins with him arriving in DuPray, alone and on foot, before becoming a night knocker. The role suits him, as “night” is a homophone for “knight,” and “knocker” contains the “kn” that transforms “night” into “knight.”

Tim cannot immediately assume knighthood: He must undergo trials to prove his worth. Knighthood includes protection of the vulnerable (his care of Annie Ledoux and Drummer Denton), humility (his willingness to take a less flashy job), and honor. Perhaps in response to his past mistake as an honored member of the Sarasota police force, Tim swears not to carry a weapon. During the holdup at Zoney’s Go-Mart, Tim treats the injured clerk rather than fighting, proving himself to be more than a mere gunman.

Knighthood also demands loyalty to a liege. Tim guards Luke during his “chess game” with Stackhouse—the latter implicitly recognizing Tim’s qualities as a “misguided hero.” The night knocker embodies everything that a good man should be and everything the Institute is not.

The Institute’s references to concentration camps reinforce its theme of dehumanization. Early on, Tim watches the trains in DuPray and thinks about people being loaded and unloaded—evoking the image of trains carrying prisoners to concentration camps.