The short story “Young Lions” by Edward P. Jones addresses the subject of social belonging, relationship with society, and violence. Caesar, being the main character and symbolically given the name of one of the greatest rulers of the Roman empire, finds his way in life by stealing people’s lives along with their belongings. The main argument is that violence and the main character’s attitude toward people, all his anger, and destructive power come from Caesar’s dissatisfaction and inner conflict. The author represents this conflict by the utilization of such literary devices as epithets, hyperbole, oxymoron, and metaphors. Jones analyses the main character’s behavior through the reaction of his surrounding, for example, Caesar’s girlfriend. In the conflict situation, instead of solving the conflict peacefully, the man threatens his female friend with her life. The story and the argument in it lead the reader to the understanding of the nature of violence, the social loneliness, and the feeling of being lost. Caesar moved away from all social norms and society, therefore, he feels lost and tries to win attention and success through the only emotions he can feel, such as anger and indifference.
The story “Old Boys, Old Girls” is related to the same character and discusses the remains of humanity Caesar Matthews has left in him. It argues that loneliness and anger are the most powerful triggers for social conflicts and bad relations with the surroundings and the family. After being released from jail for murder, the main character realizes that the outer world will always take him for a sinner, therefore, there is no need in trying to be different (Jones, 2006). This attitude brings Caesar to the break of his new-established relationship with his family and the total estrangement from society. Such effect is produced by the plot itself, however, the author implements irony and simile as well. Based on the story, readers can form their opinion about the character’s behavior, but the story leads to a deeper consideration of morality, family, and the made choices.
Reference
Jones, E. P. (2006). All aunt Hagar’s children. Amistad.