Mr. Shiftlet is probably one of the most honest characters in this story. He is a liar, but at least he admits it. He is concerned with what makes a man. His conclusion is, “a man is divided into two parts, body and spirit” (179). Even though he has this small revelation, he is still at conflict. He marries her to get the car. Wrong, yes. But after he still feels remorse. “…it’s the law that don’t satisfy me…” (180). Perhaps, this can take on a more biblical meaning. He is looking for something beyond the law, something beyond the commandments. This is offered to him in the form of Lycynell Jr. She is his savior, or at least his chance at salvation.
I am still trying to decide if he comes to the realization of what he did at the end. I have read and reread the story trying to figure it out. Does he really save his own life at the end? In the grand scheme of things? He has a full revelation of what he is and what he has done, but is it enough? I don't think so. He left his vessel of salvation at the diner. Lucynell Jr. is described as innocent, angelic, "from gawd". She is dressed in colors that depict her innocence. White, blue, gold. Yet he leaves her. A little boy condemns him to hell, and jumps out of the car. Maybe I am just missing a piece, but it seems like he walked out on his chance.
Tags: Brittni Traynor, reflective, Salvation