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Development Of Characters In Jeanette Ingold's Hitch

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In the novel, “Hitch”, by Jeanette Ingold, a teenage boy named Moss Trawnley loses his job during the Great Depression. In an attempt to make up for the lost income, Moss decided to join the Civilian Conservation Corps, or CCC. His experiences in the CCC developed his character, revealed members with contrasting character, and developed an overall theme of the text.

Moss Trawnley’s character was developed in many ways during his time in the CCC. In the very beginning of the book, Moss was shown to be a very planned out person. On page 5 of “Hitch”, the text says, “Beatty and I, we had it planned. Come May- just another seven months- we'd be high school graduates, class of 1936. Then Beatty, who loved flying like she was born to it, would …show more content…

The first decision Moss makes that develops the theme is when he makes the decision to leave Texas, his family, and friends behind. This decision developed the theme because, without it, Moss’ success in the CCC would have never occurred. Moss again developed the theme when he joined the CCC against his father's wishes. This was a very tough decision for Moss, however, it allowed Moss to gain his success in the CCC. When Moss finally got into the CCC, he was put in a conditioning camp that prepared him for the conservation work elsewhere. While there, his two partners who were supposed to help him clean the latrines left Moss to do it himself. Moss made the decision to stay and clean them, by himself, anyway, as indicated on page 67. “But I got a mop from the closet, anyway, as I began sopping up the water that was as deep as the soles of my shoes...I worked till that latrine sparkled.” This example from the text developed the theme, as Moss made the tough decision to clean the latrines by himself. This led him to succeed because it showed the leaders he had a good work ethic. After a while working to finish the new camp, Moss and the others learned they weren't going to be able to finish the camp before the new CCC’ers came. After receiving this information, Moss made the tough decision to go against his leaders' advice and rally the others to finish the camp through the night. This tough decision ended up leading to Moss’ success, as he was congratulated by the leaders for his effort. In the aftermath of it all, the leaders presented Moss with another tough decision; the opportunity to become a junior leader. Moss internally fought over what to do, until ultimately deciding to take the job. This decision led to his success, as the other CCC’ers trusted him as a leader and a friend. All of these decisions

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