"Sleepers" by Lorenzo Carcaterra

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that "Sleepers" is about boys imprisoned for violating society's laws and how they themselves become victims of the far greater crime of physical torture and sexual assault. The author points out that, for this story to have value beyond the grim fascination projected through the descriptive narrative and skillful character development, one must be able to imagine being a "sleeper," an underage kid thrown into a reformatory for at least nine months. The paper relates that these hideously brutal scenes are believed to be the nightmares of the author, Lorenzo Carcaterra. The book is reportedly a true account of his early life.

From the Paper:

"On the subject of priests, which were mentioned at the opening of this essay, it's impossible to know whether Father Bobby, a Hell's Kitchen neighborhood priest, molested or raped any young choir boys during his ministry. But is it revealed that he agreed to perjure himself under oath to protect Tommy and Johnny during the murder trial. Sociologically, the act of lying by Father Bobby can at least be partially explained by the fact that external events tend to determine behavior more often than internal psychological issues. So, Father Bobby knew how inhumanely the boys were treated at reform school; he also knew he had taken an oath to uphold justice and be truthful in his Christian work."

More papers on "Sleepers" by Lorenzo Carcaterra:

• Analytical Essay # 52478 : "Lorenzo Carcaterra's "Sleepers"
• Article Review # 103430 : "Just Walk On By"
• Analytical Essay # 66490 : "Just Walk on By"

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