Tattoo the Wicked Cross: Analysis of Major Characters
"Tattoo the Wicked Cross: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the complex dynamics of a prison environment through its diverse characters, primarily focusing on Aaron D'Aragon, a Latino adolescent and gang leader. As the protagonist, Aaron grapples with his identity and beliefs while facing the brutal realities of prison life. He enters the institution feeling intimidated and uncertain, particularly in relation to his main adversary, Buzzer, who embodies cruelty and ruthlessness. Buzzer's oppressive tactics force Aaron into a spiral of violence and retribution, culminating in tragic consequences that alter his relationships, most notably with his friend Barneyway.
Barneyway, once a tough street fighter, becomes a victim of the prison system, complicating his bond with Aaron. Other characters, such as Rattler and Big Stoop, further illustrate the harshness of the prison hierarchy, each contributing to the overarching theme of survival within a corrupt system. Judith, Aaron's girlfriend, serves as a reminder of his prior life, yet her transformation evokes feelings of betrayal. The prison chaplain, portrayed as weak and duplicitous, represents the failure of spiritual guidance amidst the chaos. This character-driven analysis delves into themes of power, loss, and the struggle for dignity in an unforgiving environment, prompting readers to reflect on the moral complexities faced by individuals in extreme circumstances.
Tattoo the Wicked Cross: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Floyd Salas
First published: 1967
Genre: Novel
Locale: Golden Gate Institute of Industry and Reform, a prison farm in California
Plot: Social realism
Time: After World War II
Aaron D'Aragon, a Latino adolescent, a pachuco, and a gang leader sent to prison for fighting. He is the protagonist of the novel. Although Aaron is small for his age, he is quite a fighter, like a bantam rooster. Upon entering prison, he is not sure of himself and is intimidated by the director of the prison. He looks forward to seeing an ally while he is in prison, his good friend Barneyway. He hears disturbing rumors that Barneyway is a “queen.” Aaron's main tormentor is Buzzer, a cruel and ruthless prison leader. After he is raped by Buzzer and his gang, Aaron vows to Barneyway that they will no longer be victims. Aaron must reconcile his religious beliefs, which say to “turn the other cheek.” He decides to take revenge on Buzzer and his gang by poisoning them, but he inadvertently kills Barneyway as well. Because of these acts of murder, he gains the respect and attention of the other inmates, and he begins to serve his time with dignity.
Buzzer, the antagonist of the story. Buzzer represents evil, and Aaron represents good. Buzzer is ruthless and mean, and anyone who crosses his path is dealt with severely. Aaron wants nothing to do with him, but eventually Aaron is brutally sodomized and beaten by Buzzer and his gang. After being hospitalized because of the beating, Aaron feels humiliated, not so much because of the beating but because he has been “gang banged.” Buzzer has always had his way and does not think he has anything to fear from Aaron, but he does not reckon with Aaron's fierceness.
Barneyway, Aaron's friend. Barneyway was quite a fighter and tough guy on the streets, but in prison he fell victim to Buzzer's ruthlessness and became a “queen.” He learns how to survive in the cruel prison system. Even though he has become a victim of Buzzer and the prison system, Aaron continues to be his friend. Because of Buzzer, their friendship is not the same as it was on the streets.
Rattler, a member of Buzzer's gang. Although he too can be ruthless and cruel, he is only a shadow to Buzzer.
Big Stoop, the brutal giant who runs the institution with a conviction that he is right and the prisoners are wrong. He believes that harsh treatment will strengthen the prisoners'character. He is unaware that the prison system has made him a cruel overseer.
Judith, Aaron's girlfriend. She is the stabilizing element in Aaron's life while in prison. Aaron thinks that she has failed him because she appears for a visit with a tattoo on her cheek. She is no longer a symbol of purity and virtue. There is a close connection between the way Aaron feels toward Judith and the way he feels about his mother's death. He thinks that his mother was taken away by God unfairly and that he has been betrayed by Judith. Aaron believes that he has nothing toholdontoanymore.
The prison chaplain, a Protestant minister who is weak and effete. Ostensibly he is there to save the souls of the young men, but he is no spiritual leader. In fact, the chaplain is in the service of the state because he acts as an informant. Aaron hates him both because he finds out that he is an informant and because the chaplain has not fulfilled his function as a man of God. His role as an informant makes him a cruel man, exhibiting the opposite of the Christian goodness that he is supposed to represent.