Burkitt 1

Madison Burkitt
Miss Cook
Composition 01
16 December 2016
Forgive me, Leonard Peacock: Repression and Revenge
What would drive someone to plan to kill their once best friend and oneself? In the novel
by Matthew Quick, Forgive me, Leonard Peacock, Leonard, a high school senior takes us
through his eighteenth birthday. Only this wasnt a typical celebration. He begins his morning by
wrapping three presents for the only people he cares about. The last present he wraps is his
grandfather's P-38 Nazi handgun that he intends to kill his former best friend, Asher Beal, and
then himself with. After a fishing trip with his uncle, Asher begins to become very violent and
throughout the story Leonard talks about the very bad thing that happened between them. He
no longer wants to be alone with him after Asher begins sexually abusing him. Leonard tried to
tell his neglectful mother, who he refers to as Linda, of the incident but she always put it off.
Linda is always leaving Leonard home alone while she goes to stay in New York, and his dad on
the other hand, was a one-hit-wonder rock star that ran off, nowhere to be found. His only
solaces being his neighbor Walt, an elderly man with whom he watches old movies, a Jesus
freak named Lauren who he has no chance with, an extremely talented classmate with a violin,
Baback, and his Holocaust teacher, Herr Silverman. Leonard Peacock is a product of a wild
imagination and a series of unfortunate events that has led him to a psychological unbalance and
a fascination with revenge and murder, while Asher Beal was a key role in the unfortunate
events, perhaps he had his own mental disturbance that set the whole thing in motion.

Burkitt 2
Psychoanalytic criticism builds on Sigmund Freud's theories of psychology. One of
Freuds main focal points is the unconscious, the desires, and the defenses (Purdue Owl). This
is directly related to his belief that childhood events influence our unconscious state of mind. It is
also stated that repression doesnt eliminate our painful experiences and emotions, and to keep
these memories in our unconscious, we develop defenses: selective perception, selective
memory, denial, displacement, projection, regression, fear of intimacy, and fear of death, among
others (Purdue Owl). Through Freud's theories, it is maintained that our desires and our
unconscious conflicts give rise to three areas of the mind that wrestle for dominance as we grow
from infancy, to childhood, to adulthood (Purdue Owl). These areas include id, ego, and
superego. Id is the location of the drives, or often referred to as the libido. Ego, is the
defense and home of those drives. On the other hand, the area of the unconscious that conceals
Judgement, of either oneself or others, is called superego. Freud believed that superego
begins to form during childhood as a result of the Oedipus complex (Purdue Owl). The
Oedipus complex is a determinative element in the growth of children that is of the utmost
importance. This particularly involves a childrens need for their parents, which can differ on
account of age and gender. So how does Freuds theories relate to literature? It is believed that if
we read psychoanalytically, we see concepts operating in the text in such a way as to enrich our
understanding of the work (Purdue Owl) and to conclude a coherent interpretation.
Throughout the book, Asher and Leonard both experience repression. There are two
definitions of repression, the action of subduing someone or something by force and the
action or process of suppressing a thought or desire in oneself so that it remains unconscious
(Purdue Owl). Throughout the story, Leonard only focuses on the bad that happened between
him and Asher, like hes thriving off of the anger, plotting out his revenge. Toward the middle, he

Burkitt 3
remembers some of the good times they had together like he had forgotten them. He ends up not
being able to shoot Asher. This informs the reader that even though Asher sexually abused him,
Leonard still remembers the good times between them and is unable to go through with his plan.
Asher on the other hand, applies more to the other definition of repression. In the book, while
Leonard is talking about what happened, he says, Asher told me not to ask questions--to keep
what happened between us, not to think about it too much--and he looked mean when he said it,
like someone I didnt know, not like a friend at all (Quick 204). After being forced into sexual
circumstances with his uncle, Asher begins to do the same to Leonard. Maybe to make someone
feel the pain and embarrassment he has? Maybe to make himself feel manly again? Or maybe he
didnt understand the seriousness of the situations because he was so young.
Both characters have various family dynamics that are at work here. Freud believes that
the way that children are raised can greatly influence a person's unconscious. Ashers, the fact
that his uncle broke his trust and sexually abused him, changed his actions and behavior. His
mother never knew of the incidents that happened between Asher and his uncle or Asher and
Leonard. But Leonards mother chose not to believe her son of what was going on, even after he
had tried to tell her and the time she walked in on them. Leonard felt unloved and was left
abandoned most of the time while Linda would be at work in New York, or on the phone with
business. Neither of the characters families are very comforting in these situations. Even though
Leonard claims to hate Linda, throughout the story he desperately searches for recognition
from her. When she doesnt wish him a happy birthday, he checks his phone multiple times. He
even goes far enough to make a deal with himself, that if Linda makes me banana-chocolate
chip pancakes, I can forgive her for forgetting my birthday. I concoct that deal in my head and
then attempt to make her fulfill her end of the unspoken bargain (Quick 279). He is

Burkitt 4
disappointed by her once again as she doesnt even join him after he makes his own pancakes.
He doesnt forgive Linda for not caring and ends the story with a letter that he writes from the
perspective of his future daughter, convincing him to make it to the future.
In conclusion, there is a great deal of events that has led Asher and Leonard to act the
way they do. According to Freuds theories, there are many events that can cause this along with
many lasting effects. One of the lasting effects that is evident in both Asher and Leonard is
repression. This book shows the reader that family dynamics in which a person is raised can
greatly contribute to their actions and thought process. Due to these events taking place in their
childhood, both characters are a product of a psychological unbalance.

Works Cited
"Welcome to the Purdue OWL." Purdue OWL: Literary Theory and Schools of Criticism. N.p.,
n.d. Web. 16 Dec. 2016. https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/722/01/

Burkitt 5
Quick, Matthew. Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock: A Novel. New York: Little, Brown, 2013. Print.

Rubric rating submitted on: 12/26/2016, 1:45:32 AM by danielle.cook@redstreaks.org

4

W.1.a: Hook
Your score: 4

(Fully and
creatively
demonstrated)
Introduction
paragraph
captures the
reader's
attention.

(Demonstrated)
Introduction
paragraph
captures the
reader's
attention.

(Attempted to
demonstrate, but
a couple errors
exist)
Introduction
paragraph
captures the
reader's
attention.

(Attempted to
demonstrate, but
multiple errors
exist)
Introduction
paragraph
captures the
reader's
attention.

(No attempt
made)
Introduction
paragraph
captures the
reader's
attention.

W.1. a: Intro
Summary
Your score: 4

(Fully and
creatively
demonstrated) A
brief summary
of the text(s)
analyzed is
given to
anticipate the
reader's
knowledge
level--no more
than a couple
sentences.

(Demonstrated)
A brief summary
of the text(s)
analyzed is
given to
anticipate the
reader's
knowledge
level--no more
than a couple
sentences.

(Attempted to
demonstrate, but
a couple errors
exist) A brief
summary of the
text(s) analyzed
is given to
anticipate the
reader's
knowledge
level--no more
than a couple
sentences.

(Attempted to
demonstrate, but
multiple errors
exist) A brief
summary of the
text(s) analyzed
is given to
anticipate the
reader's
knowledge
level--no more
than a couple
sentences.

(No attempt) A
brief summary
of the text(s)
analyzed is
given to
anticipate the
reader's
knowledge
level--no more
than a couple
sentences.

W. 1.a:
Introduce
Claims
Your score: 4

(Fully and
creatively
demonstrated)
Intro paragraph
clearly
introduces the
claims of the
body
paragraphs.

(Demonstrated)
Intro paragraph
clearly
introduces the
claims of the
body
paragraphs.

(Attempted to
demonstrate, but
a couple errors
exist) Intro
paragraph
clearly
introduces the
claims of the
body
paragraphs.

(Attempted to
demonstrate, but
multiple errors
exist)Intro
paragraph
clearly
introduces the
claims of the
body
paragraphs.

(No attempt)
Intro paragraph
clearly
introduces the
claims of the
body
paragraphs.

Burkitt 6
W.1.a: Thesis
Your score: 4

(Fully and
creatively
demonstrated)
The last
sentence is a
thesis statement
that is clear,
sophisticated,
and insightful.

(Demonstrated)
The last
sentence is a
thesis statement
that is clear,
sophisticated,
and insightful.

(Attempted, but
a couple errors
exist) The last
sentence is a
thesis statement
that is clear,
sophisticated,
and insightful.

(Attempted, but
multiple errors
exist) The last
sentence is a
thesis statement
that is clear,
sophisticated,
and insightful.

(no attempt
made) The last
sentence is a
thesis statement
that is clear,
sophisticated,
and insightful.

W. 1. a: Topic
Sentences
Your score: 4

(Fully and
creatively
demonstrated)
Each body
paragraph
begins with a
clear,
sophisticated,
and insightful
topic sentence.

(Demonstrated)
Each body
paragraph
begins with a
clear,
sophisticated,
and insightful
topic sentence.

(Attempted, but
a couple errors
exist) Each body
paragraph
begins with a
clear,
sophisticated,
and insightful
topic sentence.

(Attempted, but
multiple errors
exist) Each body
paragraph
begins with a
clear,
sophisticated,
and insightful
topic sentence.

(No attempt
made) Each
body paragraph
begins with a
clear,
sophisticated,
and insightful
topic sentence.

W. 1. b:
Organization &
Sequencing
Your score: 4

(Fully and
creatively
demonstrated)
Claims,
counterclaims,
reasons, and
evidence are
effectively
structured and
organized in a
logical
sequence.

(Demonstrated)
Claims,
counterclaims,
reasons, and
evidence are
effectively
structured and
organized in a
logical
sequence.

(Attempted to
demonstrate, but
a couple errors
exist) Claims,
counterclaims,
reasons, and
evidence are
effectively
structured and
organized in a
logical
sequence.

(Attempted to
demonstrate, but
multiple errors
exist)Claims,
counterclaims,
reasons, and
evidence are
effectively
structured and
organized in a
logical
sequence.

(No attempt
made) Claims,
counterclaims,
reasons, and
evidence are
effectively
structured and
organized in a
logical
sequence.

W. 1. b: Literary
Criticism
Your score: 4

(Fully and
creatively
demonstrated)
Clear
explanation of
the criticism
being used.

(Demonstrated)
Clear
explanation of
the criticism
being used.

(Attempted to
demonstrate, but
a couple errors
exist) Clear
explanation of
the criticism
being used.

(Attempted to
demonstrate, but
multiple errors
exist) Clear
explanation of
the criticism
being used.

(No attempt
made) Clear
explanation of
the criticism
being used.

W. 1. c:
Transitions
Your score: 4

(Fully and
creatively
demonstrated)
Thoughtful
progression of

(Demonstrated)
Thoughtful
progression of
ideas and details
with sound

(Attempted to
demonstrate, but
a couple errors
exist)
Thoughtful

(Attempted to
demonstrate, but
multiple errors
exist)
Thoughtful

(No attempt
made)Thoughtfu
l progression of
ideas and details
with sound

Burkitt 7
ideas and details
with sound
transitions to
show connection
between points
and paragraphs.

transitions to
show connection
between points
and paragraphs.

progression of
ideas and details
with sound
transitions to
show connection
between points
and paragraphs.

progression of
ideas and details
with sound
transitions to
show connection
between points
and paragraphs.

transitions to
show connection
between points
and paragraphs.

W. 1. b: Focus
Your score: 4

(Fully and
creatively
demonstrated)
Maintains a
consistent focus
throughout.
Thesis is
effectively
woven
throughout
every body
paragraph, with
ideas always
related back to
thesis in order to
prove the central
claim.

(Demonstrated)
Maintains a
consistent focus
throughout.
Thesis is
effectively
woven
throughout
every body
paragraph, with
ideas always
related back to
thesis in order to
prove the central
claim.

(Attempted to
demonstrate, but
a couple errors
exist) Maintains
a consistent
focus
throughout.
Thesis is
effectively
woven
throughout
every body
paragraph, with
ideas always
related back to
thesis in order to
prove the central
claim.

(Attempted to
demonstrate, but
multiple errors
exist) Maintains
a consistent
focus
throughout.
Thesis is
effectively
woven
throughout
every body
paragraph, with
ideas always
related back to
thesis in order to
prove the central
claim.

(No attempt
made)Maintains
a consistent
focus
throughout.
Thesis is
effectively
woven
throughout
every body
paragraph, with
ideas always
related back to
thesis in order to
prove the central
claim.

W. 1. b:
Examples &
Details
Your score: 3

(Fully and
creatively
demonstrated)
Contains
effective,
specific,
relevant
examples and
details to back
up major claims
in each body
paragraph.

(Demonstrated)
Contains
effective,
specific,
relevant
examples and
details to back
up major claims
in each body
paragraph.

(Attempted to
demonstrate, but
a couple errors
exist) Contains
effective,
specific,
relevant
examples and
details to back
up major claims
in each body
paragraph.

(Attempted to
demonstrate, but
multiple errors
exist) Contains
effective,
specific,
relevant
examples and
details to back
up major claims
in each body
paragraph.

(No attempt
made) Contains
effective,
specific,
relevant
examples and
details to back
up major claims
in each body
paragraph.

W. 1. b:
Reflection of
Evidence
Your score: 2

(Fully and
creatively
demonstrated)
Clear reflection

(Demonstrated)
Clear reflection
on the evidence
is referenced

(Attempted to
demonstrate, but
a couple errors
exist) Clear

(Attempted to
demonstrate, but
multiple errors
exist) Clear

(No attempt
made) Clear
reflection on the
evidence is

Burkitt 8
on the evidence
is referenced
from the text
and thoroughly
and clearly
explained to the
audience.

from the text

and thoroughly
and clearly
explained to the
audience.

reflection on the
evidence is
referenced from
the text and
thoroughly and
clearly
explained to the
audience.

reflection on the
evidence is
referenced from
the text and
thoroughly and
clearly
explained to the
audience.

referenced from
the text and
thoroughly and
clearly
explained to the
audience.

W. 1. b:
Analysis of Text
Your score: 3

(Fully and
creativiely
demonstrated)
Clear and
accurate
analysis of the
literature using
the chosen
criticism.

(Demonstrated)
Clear and
accurate
analysis of the
literature using
the chosen
criticism.

(Attempted to
demonstrate, but
a couple errors
exist) Clear and
accurate
analysis of the
literature using
the chosen
criticism.

(Attempted to
demonstrate, but
multiple errors
exist) Clear and
accurate
analysis of the
literature using
the chosen
criticism.

(No attempt
made) Clear and
accurate analysis
of the literature
using the chosen
criticism.

W. 1. b:
Consideration of
Prompt
Your score: 4

(Fully and
creatively
demonstrated)
Demonstrates
thoughtful
consideration of
the task &
thoroughly
answers the
prompt or
assignment
requirements.

(Demonstrated)
Demonstrates
thoughtful
consideration of
the task &
thoroughly
answers the
prompt or
assignment
requirements.

(Attempted to
demonstrate, but
a couple errors
exist)
Demonstrates
thoughtful
consideration of
the task &
thoroughly
answers the
prompt or
assignment
requirements.

(Attempted to
demonstrate, but
multiple errors
exist)
Demonstrates
thoughtful
consideration of
the task &
thoroughly
answers the
prompt or
assignment
requirements.

(No attempt
made)
Demonstrates
thoughtful
consideration of
the task &
thoroughly
answers the
prompt or
assignment
requirements.

W. 1. f:
Rephrase Thesis
Your score: 4

(Fully and
creatively
demonstrated)
Conclusion
restates thesis
and supports the
claims in the
essay.

(Demonstrated)
Conclusion
restates thesis
and supports the
claims in the
essay.

(Attempted to
demonstrate, but
a couple errors
exist)
Conclusion
restates thesis
and supports the
claims in the
essay.

(Attempted to
demonstrate, but
multiple errors
exist)
Conclusion
restates thesis
and supports the
claims in the
essay.

(No attempt
made)
Conclusion
restates thesis
and supports the
claims in the
essay.

W. 1. f: So What
Your score: 4

(Fully and
creatively
demonstrated)
Conclusion

(Demonstrated)
Conclusion
offers closure
and leaves the

(Attempted to
demonstrate, but
a couple errors
exist)

(Attempted to
demonstrate, but
multiple errors
exist)

(No attempt
made)
Conclusion
offers closure

Burkitt 9
offers closure
and leaves the
reader thinking
by answering
the So What?
question. The
significance the
major claim is
clear to the
reader.

reader thinking
by answering
the So What?
question. The
significance the
major claim is
clear to the
reader.

Conclusion
offers closure
and leaves the
reader thinking
by answering
the So What?
question. The
significance the
major claim is
clear to the
reader.

Conclusion
offers closure
and leaves the
reader thinking
by answering
the So What?
question. The
significance the
major claim is
clear to the
reader.

and leaves the

reader thinking
by answering
the So What?
question. The
significance the
major claim is
clear to the
reader.

L. 2: Sentence
Complexity/Vari
ety
Your score: 4

(Fully and
creatively
demonstrated)
Sentence variety
is effective and
sophisticated.

(Demonstrated)
Sentence variety
is effective and
sophisticated.

(Attempted to
demonstrate, but
a couple errors
exist) Sentence
variety is
effective and
sophisticated.

(Attempted to
demonstrate, but
multiple errors
exist) Sentence
variety is
effective and
sophisticated.

(No attempt
made) Sentence
variety is
effective and
sophisticated.

W. 1. e: Style &
Tone
Your score: 4

(Fully and
creatively
demonstrated) A
formal style and
objective tone is
established and
maintained.
Writing is clear,
concise, and
strong.

(Demonstrated)
A formal style
and objective
tone is
established and
maintained.
Writing is clear,
concise, and
strong.

(Attempted to
demonstrate, but
a couple errors
exist) A formal
style and
objective tone is
established and
maintained.
Writing is clear,
concise, and
strong.

(Attempted to
demonstrate, but
multiple errors
exist) A formal
style and
objective tone is
established and
maintained.
Writing is clear,
concise, and
strong.

(No attempt
made) A formal
style and
objective tone is
established and
maintained.
Writing is clear,
concise, and
strong.

W. 1. d: Word
Choice
Your score: 4

(Fully and
creatively
demonstrated)
Word
choice/vocabula
ry is
sophisticated
and effective.

(Demonstrated)
Word
choice/vocabula
ry is
sophisticated
and effective.

(Attempted to
demonstrate, but
a couple errors
exist) Word
choice/vocabula
ry is
sophisticated
and effective.

(Attempted to
demonstrate, but
multiple errors
exist) Word
choice/vocabula
ry is
sophisticated
and effective.

(No attempt
made) Word
choice/vocabula
ry is
sophisticated
and effective.

L. 2:
Capitalization &
Punctuation
Your score: 4

(Fully and
creatively
demonstrated)
Sentences

(Demonstrated)
Sentences
demonstrate
correct

(Attempted to
demonstrate, but
a couple errors
exist) Sentences

(Attempted to
demonstrate, but
multiple errors
exist) Sentences

(No attempt
made) Sentences
demonstrate
correct

Burkitt 10
demonstrate
correct
punctuation and
capitalization.

punctuation and
capitalization.

demonstrate
correct
punctuation and
capitalization.

demonstrate
correct
punctuation and
capitalization.

punctuation and
capitalization.

L. 2: Spelling &
RO/Frag
Your score: 4

(Fully and
creatively
demonstrated)
There are no
spelling errors,
run-ons, and/or
fragments.

(Demonstrated)
There are no
spelling errors,
run-ons, and/or
fragments.

(Attempted to
demonstrate, but
a couple errors
exist) There are
no spelling
errors, run-ons,
and/or
fragments.

(Attempted to
demonstrate, but
multiple errors
exist) There are
no spelling
errors, run-ons,
and/or
fragments.

(No attempt
made) There are
no spelling
errors, run-ons,
and/or
fragments.

L. 1: Usage
Your score: 4

(Fully and
creatively
demonstrated)
Correct and
consistent verb
tense is present;
words are used
correctly.

(Demonstrated)
Correct and
consistent verb
tense is present;
words are used
correctly.

(Attempted to
demonstrate, but
a couple errors
exist) Correct
and consistent
verb tense is
present; words
are used
correctly.

(Attempted to
demonstrate, but
multiple errors
exist) Correct
and consistent
verb tense is
present; words
are used
correctly.

(No attempt
made) Correct
and consistent
verb tense is
present; words
are used
correctly.

W. 8: Relevant
Information
Your score: 4

(Fully and
creatively
demonstrated)
The quotes used
in each body
paragraph are
relevant and
effectively
support the
thesis and the
claims.

(Demonstrated)
The quotes used
in each body
paragraph are
relevant and
effectively
support the
thesis and the
claims.

(Attempted to
demonstrate, but
a couple errors
exist) The
quotes used in
each body
paragraph are
relevant and
effectively
support the
thesis and the
claims.

(Attempted to
demonstrate, but
multiple errors
exist) The
information
from research
used in each
body paragraph
are relevant and
effectively
support the
thesis and the
claims.

(No attempt
made) The
quotes used in
each body
paragraph are
relevant and
effectively
support the
thesis and the
claims.

W. 8: Integrating
Information
Your score: 2

(Fully and
creatively
demonstrated)
Information
from the text is

(Demonstrated)
Information
from the text is
integrated into
the essay

(Attempted to
demonstrate, but
a couple errors
exist)
Information

(Attempted to
demonstrate, but
multiple errors
exist)
Information

(No attempt
made)
Information
from the tex is
integrated into

Burkitt 11
integrated into
the essay
selectively to
maintain the
flow of ideas,
avoiding
plagiarism, and
overreliance on
the text.

selectively to
maintain the
flow of ideas,
avoiding
plagiarism, and
overreliance on
the text.

from the texh is

integrated into
the essay
selectively to
maintain the
flow of ideas,
avoiding
plagiarism, and
overreliance on
the text.

from the tex is

integrated into
the essay
selectively to
maintain the
flow of ideas,
avoiding
plagiarism, and
overreliance on
the text.

the essay
selectively to
maintain the
flow of ideas,
avoiding
plagiarism, and
overreliance on
the text.

W. 8: Citations
Your score: 4

(Fully and
creatively
demonstrated)
Each
quote/paraphras
e is
appropriately
cited using intext citations.

(Demonstrated)
Each
quote/paraphras
e is
appropriately
cited using intext citations.

(Attempted to
demonstrate, but
a couple errors
exist) Each
quote/paraphras
e is
appropriately
cited using intext citations.

(Attempted to
demonstrate, but
multiple errors
exist) Each
quote/paraphras
e is
appropriately
cited using intext citations.

(No attempt
made) Each
quote/paraphras
e is
appropriately
cited using intext citations.

L. 3: MLA
Format
Your score: 4

(Fully and
creatively
demonstrated)
Paper is
formatted
according to
MLA guidelines,
including:
heading with
name, teacher,
class & period,
and date,
centered title,
and correctly
formatted
paragraphs.

(Demonstrated)
Paper is
formatted
according to
MLA guidelines,
including:
heading with
name, teacher,
class & period,
and date,
centered title,
and correctly
formatted
paragraphs.

(Attempted to
demonstrate, but
a couple errors
exist) Paper is
formatted
according to
MLA guidelines,
including:
heading with
name, teacher,
class & period,
and date,
centered title,
and correctly
formatted
paragraphs.

(Attempted to
demonstrate, but
multiple errors
exist) Paper is
formatted
according to
MLA guidelines,
including:
heading with
name, teacher,
class & period,
and date,
centered title,
and correctly
formatted
paragraphs.

(No attempt
made) Paper is
formatted
according to
MLA guidelines,
including:
heading with
name, teacher,
class & period,
and date,
centered title,
and correctly
formatted
paragraphs.

Comments:
Total: 0/100*missing in-text citations
Overall this is a good analysis. I commend you for taking on a challenging theory. The essay is
organized well and you applied the theory well. A little more explanation about how they
characters were affected is needed. Good job explaining the theory. The introduction is very

Burkitt 12
good.