The Nickel Boys is a novel by Colson Whitehead. This novel is about Turner and Elwood Curtis, two young boys that are taken to Nickel Academy. This story was inspired by the story of the Dozier School for Boys in Marianna, Florida. Besides the abuse in the school, Whitehead also refers to the friendship between Turner and Elwood and how it helps both of them grow in the way they think and change their views, beliefs. Despite their differences, they still bond together, supporting each other through the abuse they witness and endure. At first, Elwood and Turner meet at the Nickel Academy, where both of them are subjected to abuse and harsh treatment. Elwood is a positive guy with a strong sense of justice and idealism. He always believes in …show more content…
Day by day, Elwood and Turner become closer, so they start to rely on each other not just for survival, but also for emotional stability. Sharing experiences at Nickel Academy also creates a strong foundation for their friendship, allowing them to connect on a deeper level. Elwood’s idealism began to influence Turner. Despite Turner’s initial mistrust, he starts to see value in Elwood’s belief in justice. This influence encourages Turner to think apart from survival and consider the moral implications of his actions. Conversely, Elwood is also influenced by Turner’s realism and practicality. Turner teaches Elwood how to navigate the harsh realities of their environment. This helps Elwood go through the day-to-day challenges at Nickel Academy. In chapter six, there is a point when Elwood realizes the punishment is random and senseless, because he observes that the bullies receive less punishment than the bullied. He was driven by the idea that justice always prevails and that every action has a logical reason. “Maybe there was no system at all to the violence and no one, not even the keepers nor the kept, knew what happened or why.” (Whitehead, 68) As their trust grows, they share more personal stories, open up about their pasts, their fears, and their dreams for the future. These moments create a deeper emotional bond, making them understand each other better on the opponent’s side. The emotional support they provide each other is crucial. They offer comfort and encouragement, emotionally supporting others to cope with trauma and abuse they face during the tough times at Nickel Academy. Elwood and Turner’s trust grows as they face challenges together. Whether dealing with abusive staff members or with the boys, they stand by each other’s side. This resilience enhances their bond, makes them feel less