Journal 2. The reason why the pacing of Charles Baxter's Gryphon works well is because it matches the internal clock of Tommy, the narrator. Just like most 5th grader's ability to pay attention, the description and focus in Gryphon also seems to speed past and slow down at random moments of the student's classroom experience. Baxter accomplishes the idea of being captivated by someone--in this case trusting Miss Ferenczi stories are true. By creating two scenes with Tommy and his mother, Baxter is able to show that Tommy's fascination follows him home. This reinforces to the reader that his captivation for Miss Ferenczi is perpetual. A well used technique of supporting characters are his fellow classmates. Since they all question the substitute