Presumed Guilty

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of sexual content, substance use, and addiction.

Cellphones are a motif Turow uses throughout the narrative to depict miscommunications and develop conflicts in Aaron’s relationships. Aaron is a solitary and introverted person, not apt to share his thoughts regularly. When he experiences especially troubling events—like his many breakups with Mae—he has a habit of “going dark.” He turns off his phone and voicemail so he can be completely alone to process his feelings. Aaron’s cellphone’s status reflects his solitary nature and his belief that no one else understands his feelings. For his friends and family, the inability to contact Aaron causes concern and anxiety. Especially after Aaron’s drug convictions, Aaron’s family can’t help but believe the worst about what Aaron is doing, since he won’t explain himself with a simple text message.

Cellphones also help Aaron understand that he and Mae aren’t on the same page in their relationship. The couple promised to turn off their phones to focus on each other and plan their future together, but Aaron realizes that Mae isn’t ready to take that next step because she’s too selfish. Critically, Aaron keeps his pledge to stay off his phone, but Mae doesn’t.