Social Outcasts Exposed In Jon Hassler's Novel 'Grand Opening'

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In Jon Hasslers novel, Grand Opening, Dodger Hicks proves that social outcasts, even criminals can be victims of circumstance and positively influenced by the love and guidance of others. Firstly, due to previous punishments, Dodger avoids consequences for his actions. While playing with Brendan and his boomerang, Dodger accidentally throws the boomerang; “At the sound of breaking glass, Dodger was up and running. He [Dodger] never glanced back or said goodbye” (20). As a result of previous abuse from his father, Dodger was petrified from the beatings he would receive because of the damage he had caused. Dodgers errors had always led to punishment, never pardon. This incident was seen as an error in Dodgers mind in which he fled to avoid