Train Whistle Guitar: Analysis of Major Characters
"Train Whistle Guitar" is a novel rich in character exploration, particularly focusing on the protagonist, Scooter, who serves as the adult narrator reflecting on his boyhood experiences. Scooter embodies the essence of childhood curiosity, mischief, and a yearning for adventure, representing the universal traits of boys across different times and cultures. His journey is marked by a strong sense of self-worth and intelligence, shaped by the belief that he is destined for greatness.
Accompanying him is Little Buddy Marshall, a loyal friend who contrasts with Scooter through his more pragmatic and experiential approach to the harsh realities of life. Together, they navigate their youthful challenges in a complex world. Another key figure is Luzana Cholly, a legendary blues musician whose larger-than-life persona and mastery of the guitar symbolize resilience and cultural heritage, inspiring both Scooter and the community. Miss Tee, Scooter's affectionate aunt, plays a crucial role in nurturing his academic ambitions and self-esteem, while the revelation of her true relationship to him adds depth to their bond. Lastly, Deljean McCray represents Scooter's enduring first love, providing an honest reflection of his character and further grounding his emotional journey. This intricate web of relationships illustrates the themes of identity, aspiration, and the formative experiences of youth within the narrative.
Train Whistle Guitar: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Albert Murray
First published: 1974
Genre: Novel
Locale: Rural Alabama
Plot: Bildungsroman
Time: Primarily the 1920's
Scooter, the boyhood, nickname identity of the adult narrator of the novel. He is the protagonist of the adventures that the narrator is relating from memory. The narrator presents his boyhood self as typifying, in many ways, black boys of his time and place, as well as all boys of any time and place. Scooter is free-roaming, curious about life, appropriately naïve and mischievous but playfully learning from experience, hero-worshiping, confident, and eager to conquer the world. In certain ways, which have made the narrator what he is, Scooter is special. He always has been told that he was born to “be somebody,” and this sense of himself sometimes has made him feel and act somewhat detached and superior. Possessing above-average intelligence and a wide-ranging intellectual curiosity, he is eager to learn and to please his family and teachers. He is observant and reflective, articulate, and accepting of the rightness of virtue.
Little Buddy Marshall, the best possible “riddle buddy” for Scooter and a constant companion in the pursuit of answers. Possessing many of Scooter's boyish traits, he is also a foil for Scooter's main distinguishing characteristics. Not a scholar, he does not have Scooter's knowledge of history and geography, but he has experiential knowledge of violence anddeath,whichheispreparedtofindanywhere.Heismore likely than Scooter to pick up and go. He carries his father's .38 whenever he thinks he might need it.
Luzana Cholly (Louisiana Charlie), a fearless blues hero who plays the twelve-string guitar as well as anyone has ever played it. Exceptionally capable in everything that he is known to do, from the ordinary to the outrageous, he is Scooter's, and the townspeople's, major model of male ability and achievement. In the tradition of the wise fool, he is more than an entertainer, more than a gambler and a rambler—he is a local legend, larger than life, and a carrier and expresser of historic black experience and culture. He represents survival and, beyond that, style and grace in the transformation of raw life into the beauty that is necessary for the good life.
Miss Tee (Edie Bell Boykin), Scooter's favorite aunt, who showers her love upon him and strongly reinforces his tendency to be studious and to think of himself as capable of higher education and achievement. She dreamed of being a teacher and still loves and encourages many children, but Scooter receives her special favors. Eventually, he learns that she is his mother; she found it necessary to give him up for adoption.
Deljean McCray, Scooter's first, continuing, and last lover during his youth. She is the only one with whom he maintains a bond of deep affection, even beyond his youth. She gives him an honest appraisal of his personality.