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Why does Turner take Elwood’s name?
After Elwood’s death, Turner takes Elwood’s name for a couple of reasons. The primary reason is to honor Elwood’s life and memory. Turner and Elwood developed a bond at the academy akin to that of brothers. Turner remained loyal to Elwood until the end of Elwood’s life, delivering his letter and helping Elwood escape his original impending murder. Turner wants Elwood’s legacy to continue as long as possible, so he takes Elwood’s name to never forget his friend.
Additionally, by taking Elwood’s name, Turner can hide from the academy after his escape. The academy wouldn’t be searching for someone whom they know to be dead, so by taking Elwood’s name, Turner decreases his own chances of being found.
How is the secret graveyard discovered?
The novel opens with the discovery of the secret graveyard on the Nickel Academy campus, years after the bodies were buried. After a group of archaeology students excavate the official Nickel Academy graveyard, one student named Jody discovers the secret burial site. Compared to the official one, the latter graveyard is filled with unmarked bodies—just unclaimed bones waiting to be found. The media eventually catches wind of the story, and the nation finally sees Nickel Academy for what it was: a place of savagery and abuse.
Why does Harper shoot Elwood?
Although Harper seems to have a more tolerant attitude toward the Black students at Nickel and even a fondness for Turner and Elwood, at the end of the day, he is still a staff member of the academy trained under the tenets of white supremacy. Therefore, his loyalty belongs first and foremost to Nickel. Additionally, because Harper’s mother worked at Nickel before he did, Harper possesses a legacy of duty to the academy. Because of this, when Turner and Elwood attempt to escape, Harper’s employment at Nickel and his white identity take precedent, and he is the one who shoots Elwood.
What is the Ice Cream Factory?
The Ice Cream Factory, also called the White House, is the place where students are taken by Spencer or other staff members to receive brutal beatings for insubordination. Elwood was taken here by Spencer after attempting to break up a fight between two other boys. The figure of the Ice Cream Factory is ever-present and looming on the campus, establishing a sense of fear and dread within the students. The white boys call it the Ice Cream Factory because the bruises they receive are the colors of ice cream, and the Black boys call it the White House, as it recalls a powerful place of punishment at the hands of white people.
Why doesn’t Elwood tell Harriet what’s happening to him?
Although Harriet is supportive of Elwood and his desires, her primary motivation is Elwood’s safety. There are several times throughout the novel where Harriet stifles Elwood’s honorable endeavors to prevent him from getting hurt or arrested. For example, Harriet prevents Elwood from participating in any sort of racial protest in order to keep him safe from the law. Because of his grandmother’s proclivity toward extreme protection, Elwood decides not to share the academy’s violent operations to her, as he knows she would not allow him to move forward with exposing the truths of the academy as it may result in severe punishment or even death for Elwood.
