Crank

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I think one of the most interesting elements of Crank is the way Hopkins creates two alternate identities within the novel to explore the ways in which drugs can completely alter a person's life. Kristina, who we meet in the fist pages of the novel, is your typical high school girl who does well in school, has a bright future ahead of her, loves her friends and family, and seems to lack confidence in who she truly is. Bree, the alter ego we meet on her visit with her dad, exudes confidence, seeks adventure and excitement, and is filled with a drive for the high in crank and love. Throughout the novel we see in internal struggle within Kristina as she tries to control Bree and the external struggle of her life as she tries to maintain her relationships with her family and friends and her school work as she continues to spiral into drug addiction. It is through the interaction of these two identities, Kristina and Bree, that the reader is able to experience drug addiction. Bree is not only an alter ego to Kristina, Bree is addiction. Bree is all of the side effects, physical, mental, emotional, life changing side effects that are experienced with those who struggle with drug addiction. It is through the creation and struggle to control Bree that Hopkins is able to create the experience of addiction for the reader; we can see the rise and fall of the person who lived before drugs through Kristina and Bree's struggle for survival. We are able to see glimpses of Kristina throughout the novel, especially as she begins to lose the relationship with her mom. In these moments, we see the vulnerability of Kristina and her existence within a body who is fighting a battle for survival. It is Bree, the gnawing needy and hungry addiction that stifles Kristina and continues to drive her into a downward spiral in all areas of her life. I think Hopkins' choice to tell this story through the use of two separate identities seeks to tell of the lives of those who struggle with drug addiction through their daily internal struggle. We often see and hear about the external consequences people face while using drugs, but do not consider the battles they face within themselves. We often label drug users as who they are and who they used to be; we do not realize that there is a continuous internal battle between who they are and addiction. Drug addicts are still who they are, but are in a losing battle with a monster who has taken over every aspect of their life.

Comments

  1. TashaTOnlineApril 7, 2017 at 10:51 AM

    I like how you say "Bree is addiction." That is so true! I really enjoyed hearing Hopkins discuss her life and this book when she visited campus a couple weeks ago. It was startling to learn that "Kristina" actually now has 7 children, all by different fathers. And she still battles addiction. The book is incredibly effective and creative on so many levels. Do you believe this book ends on a hopeful note? What questions is Hopkins raising about the responsibility of parents and other authorities in these situations? I would have gone after the father for sure, but I don't know that there would be any legal recourse. So much sadness in the verses of this text...

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