The Season of Styx Malone

Trust between characters is frequently questioned and tested throughout The Season of Styx Malone, and Magoon explores how trust is essential to successful relationships. Early evident trust exists between Caleb and Bobby Gene; they share an equal passion for the fireworks, for example, and stick together throughout their scolding and punishment for trading their baby sister. Once Styx Malone enters the scene, however, the trust between the brothers is put to the test. While Bobby Gene certainly wants the goods Styx promises, he is not as quickly and easily swayed as Caleb. When they discuss giving up what savings they have to Styx’s cause, Bobby Gene decides to keep his cash. This prompts Caleb to question Bobby Gene’s loyalties. Caleb is hurt and surprised that his brother does not fully trust Styx and the Escalator plan, which causes him to feel distrustful of Bobby Gene. Caleb makes a dramatic exit to his top bunk, piggy bank in hand; Bobby Gene calls out his trust issues: “You’re going to sleep with that thing up there now?” (71).

Other times, Caleb distrusts Bobby Gene’s penchant for sounding like Dad when he opts on the side of caution and responsibility: “I swear, sometimes it was like he'd inhaled Essence of Dad and was breathing it back out” (253).