Blinded by jealousy
Set in cold Sassy, Georgia, at the turn of the twentieth century, Olive Ann Burn’s book tells the story of one year in the life of the narrator, Will Tweedy. The novel shows the changes in the attitudes of Will Tweedy as he grows closer to adulthood. Despite the coming-of-age theme in the book, the fourteen-year-old narrator allows his insecurities to blind him to the hardships of another teenage boy named Hosie Roach.
Will’s character flaws-insecurity and self-centeredness-keep him from seeing that while he is a privileged town boy who will inherit wealth, Hosie is a poor mill boy who work to make something of himself. Will’s father and grandfather are pleased with Hosie’s work as soon as Hosie begins. Hosie scrubs himself clean and even shaves his head so that customers won’t “git the nits”. Will misguidedly comments. “ I really resented him wanting to please all that bad”.
At first, Will’s insecurities make him suspicious of Hosie. When will’s grandfather says that he might offer Hosie a job in his store, Will reacts with spite and jealousy. He suggested to his grandfather that Hosie was not intelligent. Then, he tries to persuade his grandfather that Hosie is not fit to work in the store, stating that “he’s got cooties and the itch and he stinks”
Will is also unable to empathize with Hosie. The book says, Whereas I always had to go home in time to milk and bring in stovewood, he could stay all night if Grandpa wanted him to. And whereas my daddy always askrd how much latin or geometry I had to do that night, and lots of times made me go home early to get at it, Hosie would of course quit school if he got the job.
Will does not take into consideration that Hosie does not have fresh milk, a fire at home, or a father who recognizes the importance of education.
Cold Sassy Tree is a good novel to read in high school, because it is about teenagers and it deals with things teenagers understand.