In paragraph 61, Mr. K articulates a sense of urgency and personal connection when discussing Calvin's choice regarding the Substituter. His insistence that Calvin must willingly interface with the device highlights a belief in the necessity of personal agency—it cannot be forced, which reinforces the gravity of Calvin's decision. Mr. K's assertion that he understands Calvin's anger suggests an empathetic connection, as he reflects on his past experiences and mistakes, which he believes are mirrored in Calvin. This establishes Mr. K not just as a distant mentor but as someone who shares a common ground with Calvin, making the decision feel more critical. Mr. K’s background and knowledge position him as a figure who has navigated similar struggles, which he hopes will motivate Calvin to recognize the opportunity he has in this moment. Ultimately, this fosters a sense of trust, even in a situation that feels surreal and charged with uncertainty, and underscores Mr. K's desperation for Calvin to take the step that he feels is essential for change.
The Substitute
Nate Dern
Calvin looked at the device like it was radioactive.
“So it makes you a better person?” Calvin asked.
“In a nutshell, yes, that’s the idea,” Mr. K said. “Or a worse one, depending on your point of view. But either way, not identical to the person you were before. You will be changed.”
Calvin nodded, trying to understand. “So if I… interface… with that thing, I won’t become powerful and stuff, like you said?”
Mr. K looked down. “We’re not sure what will happen,” he said quietly. “I don’t want to paint too dire of a picture of the future, but this is sort of a Hail Mary for me. For us.”
“You don’t know if it will even work?” Calvin asked.
“No, I don’t know if it will work. But I do know what happens if we don’t try.”
There was a chirping noise. Mr. K looked down at the display on his metal wristband, which conveyed some information that troubled him.
“I don’t have much time. Not a lot of flexibility for chitchat in the time travel business, I’m afraid. So, what do you say? Will you interface with the Substituter?”
Calvin began to pace around the front of the classroom. He still didn’t know if he should trust Mr. K or not. It occurred to him that this still might be some kind of prank after all, or the entire thing could be a hallucination. The school counselor certainly seemed to think there was something wrong with his brain.
Mr. K snapped his fingers. “Calvin! Focus. You have to make a decision now. I have to leave soon and the device can’t stay. No physical trace of my presence can, it’s too risky.”
“This is wild,” Calvin said. “I don’t even know you. Why should I believe you? Why should I trust you?”
Mr. K removed his glasses. “I would’ve thought that was obvious by now.”
Calvin moved closer and stared into Mr. K’s dark eyes. “That’s impossible,” he said. “You’re lying.”
“I know how angry you are, Calvin. I remember that feeling. It’s why I did the things I did and why you’ll do the things you do. It’s too late for me to undo them in the future, but it’s not too late for you. This is our last chance. Interface with the Substituter, Calvin. I can’t force you. You have to do so willingly. The mindmeld won’t work otherwise.”
Write: How does paragraph 61 develop Mr. K's point of view about Calvin's choice?
1 answer
1 answer