The Influence Of Coalwood In Sonny's Life

Every single person has influences. They may be biological, environmental, or social but everyone has influences. It is a part of being human. Sonny’s success is a manifestation of all the positive influences he is subjected to. Many people meander into his life and help but the people who stay throughout the entire memoir and give support are the women of Coalwood. Sonny’s success in rocketry is influenced heavily by the women in his life, those being Miss Riley, his mother, and Emily Sue. The first, and one of the most influential women, is Miss Riley, Sonny’s science teacher. Throughout the story she gives support to the BMCA and Sonny. Her influence and help contribute directly to their success as they explore rocketry. The first example of this assistance comes when they are trying to set up the BMCA. Mr. Turner, the principal, is quite apprehensive of the idea, saying “‘I will not tolerate a bomb club in my school!’” (Hickam 95), but he changes his stance at the urging of Miss Riley. Sometimes she offers encouragement to Sonny, like that of a friend, shown when she says “‘If you build your own, you’re part of it. I can see that. For me, it’s the same with poetry.’” (Hickam 179). By relating his rocket building to her love of poetry she provides a deep connection that is common among most friendships. This type of support often encourages friends to keep going with something when they feel doubtful. Then, she again provides help like a friend when she says “‘You’re feeling sorry for yourself,’ …show more content…
Simply put there are too many factors to decide what is the single most important. However, the constant influence that contributes to his success are the women of Coalwood. They give him the resources he needs and support structure that lets him succeed. In Coalwood the most influential women to Sonny are Miss Riley, Elsie Hickam, and Emily