Always a Vicim, the characterization of Joe Manetti, from the short story Always a Motive by Dan Ross
When Dan Ross wrote the story Always A Motive, he developed the character of Joe Manetti to fit the profile of "a hopeless victim". The word hopeless literally means "one without hope"(86), one who's present situation is so bleak that he has no emotions regarding his future, and the definition of victim is "One hurt or adversely affected by an action beyond his control"(219). The author has accomplished an amazing feat, because when we examine Joe Manetti more closely we see that everything about him, from his physical actions and appearance, to the emotions that he displays to the events that have orchestrated his life exemplify these characteristics. Physically, Joe Manetti is a man who elicits sympathy from the readers. His outward appearance, his voice and most of all his eyes display some degree of the pain and hopelessness he is suffering from. Dan Ross introduces us to a man who is "young and shabbily dressed"(107), and when we observe his face we see that it is "pale" and "wears a haunted look"(107). We wonder what this man has suffered to allow these emoti
All of the events Joe has suffered and all of the characteristics he displays can only lead to one forgone conclusion. Joe Manetti is indeed a helpless victim, in every sense of the word. We have seen that Joe Manetti is indeed hopeless, but sad as they are these characteristics do not make him a victim. What makes poor Joe a victim, an innocent victim, are several sets of circumstances completely beyond his control. Joe states that he is a "Musician. But not working at it now"(108). When asked if he is married Joe replies "Yes, but my wife left me"(108). We know that being alone and unemployed would make life difficult for anyone, but most obviously the most painful event of his life is the loss of his young son. When Joe is questioned about this, we see how painful it is for him to relive the events: Joe Manetti reacted strangely to the question. His face became even more pale and he sat up very straight, and there was no revealing expression on his face. He answered in a monotone. "He was killed by a truck. A street accident when I was out of town on a job."(109).
Some common words found in the essay are:
Joe Manetti, Dan Ross, Joe Musician, joe manetti, dan ross, events joe, manetti indeed, life joe, joe manetti indeed,
Approximate Word count = 732
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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