Final answer:
Characters Ray, Forrest, and Judge Atlee in 'The Summons' are explored through themes of honesty, greed, and family dynamics, each embodying these themes differently as their actions and motives unfold through the storyline.
Step-by-step explanation:
Analysis of Main Characters in 'The Summons'
When analyzing Ray Atlee, Forrest Atlee, and Judge Atlee, we consider the themes of honesty, greed, and family dynamics to understand their complexities in relation to the story's message.
Honesty: Ray, being the protagonist, often grapples with moral dilemmas and the temptation to deviate from honesty after discovering his late father's secret stash of cash. Forrest's struggles with addiction and erratic behavior can be seen as his form of dishonesty, not just with those around him but also with himself. Judge Atlee, though a pillar in the community, has his honesty questioned posthumously with the discovery of the cash that may have been acquired through less than honest means.
Greed: Greed is a driving force in the narrative, particularly evidenced by Forrest's willingness to exploit the situation for financial gain despite potential legal ramifications. Ray's initial temptation towards keeping the money hints at an internal struggle with greed, yet his character development is marked by a conscious effort to resist it.
Family Dynamics: The Atlee family's complex relations are at the heart of the book, where unresolved conflicts, sibling rivalry between Ray and Forrest, and the towering figure of their father, serve as central pivots that the narrative revolves around. The passing of Judge Atlee acts as a catalyst, bringing these underlying tensions to the surface.