What did you think of Junior's confrontation with James? Did his actions surprise you?

What did you think of Junior's confrontation with James? Did his actions surprise you?

I wasn't surprised. I think James got what he deserved. Up to that point, Junior (with his crying and his nose bleeds) may have seemed incapable of such violence, but you can only push people so far....

I was so proud of him! I wasn't surprised because I think Junior's actions were about some pent-up rage around his life, losing Simon, and what they found out James had done to their mother.

I, like others, thought Junior's confrontation with James was fantastic! And no, I wasn't
surprised. I think maintaining his secretive life style was constraining, but once he was out there was no reason to worry about others' reactions and/or actions. He was the perfect person to give James what he deserved.

That is an interesting question which seems to relate to the "angry" confrontation with James at the end of the story. Personally, I thought the "glimpse" of the clear and strong Junior in the middle of the story was more poignant (when he meets with James the first time), and I was disappointed when Harris did not allow Junior to flourish into his true self at that point. But I understand that the four-pointed story was headed to a four-pointed conclusion.

I was surprised by the violent confrontation because it seemed so out of character for Junior who had lived his life up until that point with hyper-awareness of potential consequences for his actions. He was acutely aware of the price that Mance and other family members had paid for violence.

I was glad to see that Junior found himself. I especially liked that he was no longer Junior but King...he became his true self. I also appreciated the symbolism of James no longer being able to talk whereas Junior expressed his thoughts. I struggle with the violence, but I do get why it was used.

I think it was great that James was able to finally be, and accept, who he truly was. I think it's great that he was able to stand up for himself. I think the message that nearly beating the life out of someone is the way to find oneself is problematical on many levels.

I have to admit that I was a little surprised and then glad, almost proud of him. While I don't like to see examples of extreme violence used to solve problems, Junior had accrued so much pain over a long period of time and his explosion, both with James and back at the Kingdom, was probably due.

I thought it was finally Junior being an adult, admitting who he is, and standing up for his mother and himself. Finally He let himself his own person!

It did surprise me though for all the thing that James did to him it was not. However, is this the way an adult handles the sit

Throughout the story Mance was always the one trying to control his violent temper, so it was a bit of a surprise when Junior went after James, exhibiting that same type of rage that seemed to be passed from generation to generation. I'm not sure that level of violence was necessary, but it was nice to see Junior stand up for himself for a change.

The violent way that Junior confronted James fit in with the whole setting of the book. While violence is egregious it made sense for the book.

Actually on one hand I was clapping for him because he found the confidence and frustration in himself to stand up for himself. On the other hand, there is soo much violence displayed as the way to solve problems, I was relieved he didn’t kill James.

I believe Junior’s anger was justified - but - violence is not the right way to achieve justice. The presence of the sledgehammer was a constant from the beginning of the book so it made sense, but again brutally beating his wife’s father will cause even more of an issue going forward with his wife and their children.