Saving Winslow

Louie is the compassionate and thoughtful 10-year-old protagonist who helps all living things. Despite past failures to keep things alive, he vows to nurse Winslow to good health. Furthermore, Louie often sees the beauty in the world, for while walking one day, he wants to freeze a picture of the gorgeous scene in his mind. However, when he sees a homeless man, he asks himself, “Would I want to freeze this scene [...] of the unkempt thin man in a tattered army jacket on the brown wooden bench on the green grass near the gray walkway?” (35). This question demonstrates that Louie is deeply observant of his surroundings and that he sees value in remembering harsh realities. When he cannot get the image out of his mind, he leaves food for the man. This decision highlights Louie’s compassion. His kindness is also shown in smaller acts when cheers up a heartbroken Mack and when he makes sure Nora does not sit alone at lunch. Ultimately, this propensity for kindness is what propels him to nurture Winslow.

Despite taking on the responsibility of Winslow, Louie is initially an innocent child. His naïveté is evident when he fails to deduce that Nora took Winslow for a walk and that Uncle Pete believes Winslow is ready for the farm.