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  • Essay / How Tobias Wolff plays the character of the alpha male in "Hunters in The Snow"

    Domination Frank in Tobias Wolff's short story "Hunters in the Snow" plays the character of an alpha male who builds his strength through his dialogues and actions. become progressively authoritarian as the plot progresses. Say no to plagiarism. Get a custom essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essay Frank's parade of abuse allows him to assert his authority over the group. For example, when they arrive at the hunting ground and Tub starts to complain, Frank says sharply, “Stop complaining, Tub. Be centered” (188). Playing the role of the father in the group, Frank punishes Tub when he steps out of line and shows his dominance. In the eyes of Kenny, who is only a follower, Frank is an exemplary tyrant whom Kenny tries to imitate, when he repeats "Centered" to Tub in a mocking manner (188). Additionally, Franks temporarily uses Kenny to weaken Tub as they target his weight problem, saying, "you haven't seen your own balls in ten years" (189). Playing on Kenny's immature personality, who "starts laughing" after hearing the comment, Frank begins to realize that insults are more effective in his quest to become an important leader. Additionally, after Tub slips and drops Kenny after he is shot, Frank yells, "You big moron...You're no good for didly" (195). Now submitting only to insults, Frank no longer competes with Kenny's dominance and uses it to lower Tub's status. The use of harsh words such as "fat" describes the steps Frank will take to become the leader. Initial vocal abuse turns into manipulative actions as Frank begins to gain more power. For example, after they stop for coffee, Frank confides in Tub, saying, “Just between us…I think I'm going to leave Nancy” (197). The bond created when sharing this secret is a calculated device used by Frank to ensure that Tub gains his trust. This trust formation is used by Frank to confirm his role as leader, who is now in complete control of Kenny's fate. Adding physical contact into the scene, such as Frank "put his hand on Tub's arm" or "he squeezed Tub's wrist", further creates the connection Frank is looking for to gain Tub's trust. Since Tub trusts Frank, he will not object to the decisions he makes, even if they are irrational and fatal. Additionally, Frank uses this built confidence to attack Tub and further weaken his position in the situation. For example, after Tub admits to his overeating disorder, Frank tells the waitress about it. “'Bring four orders of pancakes, lots of butter and syrup'” (200). Rather than helping his friend solve the problem, Frank begins to "reward" Tub for accepting him as a leader, and as a positive reward, Frank feeds Tub's insecurities. After Tub's order of pancakes arrived, Frank "leaned forward on his elbows and rested his chin in one hand" (200). His actions, which reflect those of an admirer or spectator, and his admissions that Tub's messy pancake eating is "beautiful" convey his pure joy at the power he has acquired and his self-satisfaction (200 ). Keep in mind: This is just a sample.Get a custom essay from our expert writers now.Get a custom essay Kenny and Tub act as Frank's foils, as their immature and little personalities confident women are dominated by Frank's display of dominance. His intimidating words and conniving actions shape the plot into the intentions of..