The Sideways Life of Denny Voss
The Sideways Life of Denny Voss
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Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of physical abuse, emotional abuse, ableism, animal death, and death.
George the Saint Bernard
George is the novel’s chief motif of The Power of Unconditional Love. Denny’s decision to rescue the blind and deaf Saint Bernard speaks Kennedy’s conviction in the inherent worth found in beings that society deems “broken” or a burden. By saving the dog from being euthanized, Denny demonstrates his deep capacity for empathy. He sees a kindred spirit in George, recognizing that they both have “stuff wrong” with them but are nonetheless whole and deserving of love. Their bond is immediate and deep, providing Denny with a source of comfort and purpose. George becomes Denny’s constant companion and emotional anchor, a physical manifestation of the non-judgmental acceptance that defines The Power of Unconditional Love. The dog’s thematic importance intensifies when Denny is jailed. George’s refusal to eat is proof of the depth of their connection, an act of silent protest so powerful that it persuades Sheriff Becker to bend the rules and allow a visit. This event proves that the love between Denny and George is capable of moving even the rigid structures of the justice system. George’s eventual death marks Denny’s final, painful step into adulthood, forcing him to learn to live without his most loyal companion. However, the love George gave him provides a foundation for Denny’s own healing and his ability to eventually accept a new puppy, continuing the cycle of rescue and care.
Papa-Jo’s Guns
Papa-Jo’s gun collection is a complex motif at the heart of the novel’s exploration of The Trauma of Gun Violence. The firearms are a tangible link to Denny’s grandfather, representing both the love and camaraderie of their time together doing target practice and the violent tragedy of Papa-Jo’s death in a hunting accident. This dual legacy makes the guns a source of both connection and deep-seated fear for Denny. Their presence constantly reminds Denny of the destructive potential that firearms hold, sensitizing him to the news of mass shootings he sees on television. After watching a TV program about destroying unwanted firearms, Denny’s anxiety compels him to act, and the guns catalyze the novel’s central conflict. His decision to “do the right thing” and take the weapons to the police station is a direct, albeit misguided, response to the societal violence that haunts him (235). The accidental inclusion of Irene Tesky’s handgun among Papa-Jo’s rifles implicates the protagonist in Mr. Tesky’s death, demonstrating how the mere presence of firearms can unexpectedly entangle even those who, like Denny, despise them. The weapons ultimately reveal the destructive legacy of gun violence, on both individuals and society.
Pink Foam Curlers
Nana-Jo’s pink foam curlers are a recurring motif of The Power of Unconditional Love. They represent the comforting predictability of her maternal care and the domestic routines that provide Denny with a sense of safety. Throughout his life, Denny associates the curlers with Nana-Jo’s presence, her nightly rituals, and the unwavering stability of home. They are a visual shorthand for her role as his primary anchor and the embodiment of The Power of Unconditional Love. This connection is so deep that even after Nana-Jo’s stroke, her flat hair looks “not regular” to Denny until he learns to put the curlers in for her, thematically restoring a piece of their shared routine. By mastering this small act of care, Denny steps into a new role, demonstrating his growth and the reciprocal nature of their bond. The curlers’ significance is highlighted in the security footage of Mr. Tesky’s murder. The fact that Nana-Jo wore her curlers during this event reinforces that her love for her family members motivated her to confront the man who exploited and abused them.
The Toy Story Theme Song
“You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” the theme song from the movie Toy Story, serves as a motif of Mistreatment of People with Disabilities in the Criminal Justice System. He uses the song whenever a situation “goes sideways” to de-escalate his own anxiety and ground himself in a moment of panic (4). The choice of song is significant, as its lyrics are a simple, earnest plea for connection and reassurance. For Denny, singing is an attempt at self-preservation and a desperate, non-verbal signal that he is scared and not a threat. This ritual underscores his innocence and his deep need for a friend in moments when he feels most alone and misunderstood, connecting directly to his search for safety and love. This motif is central to the theme of Mistreatment of People with Disabilities in the Criminal Justice System. In nearly every confrontation with law enforcement, Denny’s singing is misinterpreted as mockery, mental instability, or noncompliance, which provokes a violent response. At Penguin Hill, Officer Louella hits him with her gun after he begins singing, and at the Canadian border, an officer tases him. The tragic irony is that Denny’s most vulnerable act is perceived as his most threatening. This recurring pattern of misinterpretation highlights the deep and dangerous communication gap between neurodivergent individuals and a rigid system that punishes any deviation from expected behavior, twisting a plea for help into a justification for brutality.
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