Domination Frank in Tobias Wolff's short story "Hunters in the Snow" embodies the character of an alpha male who gains strength in dialogue and actions to become progressively overbearing and as the plot progresses. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Frank's parade of abuse allows him to assert his authority over the group. For example, when they arrive at the hunting camp and Tub starts complaining, Frank snaps: “Stop complaining, Tub. Center yourself” (188). Playing the role of father in the group, Frank punishes Tub when he steps out of line and makes his dominance evident. In the eyes of Kenny, who is simply a follower, Frank is an exemplary bully who Kenny tries to imitate, when he repeats “Centered” to Tub in a mocking manner (188). Additionally, Franks temporarily uses Kenny to weaken Tub as they target his weight problem, saying, "you haven't seen your balls in ten years" (189). Playing into Kenny's immature personality, who "doubles over with laughter" after hearing the comment, Frank begins to realize that insults are more effective in his attempt to become a meaningful leader. Furthermore, after Tub slips and drops Kenny after he is shot, Frank yells, "You fat idiot...you're no good at this" (195). Now subjecting himself only to insults, Frank is no longer competing with Kenny's dominance and uses it to lower Tub's status. The use of harsh words like "fat" describes the measures Frank will take to become the leader. The initial vocal abuse progresses into manipulative actions as Frank begins to gain more power. For example, after they stop for coffee, Frank confides in Tub, saying, “Just between us…I think I'm going to leave Nancy” (197). The bond created by sharing this secret is a calculated device used by Frank to ensure that Tub earns his trust. This formation of trust is used by Frank to confirm his role as leader, who now has complete control of Kenny's destiny. Adding physical touch into the scene, like Frank “put his hand on Tub's arm” or “squeezed Tub's wrist” creates even more of the connection that Frank is looking for to gain Tub's trust. Because Tub trusts Frank, he will not object to the decisions he makes, even if they are irrational and fatal. Furthermore, Frank uses that created trust to attack Tub and further weaken his position in the situation. For example, after Tub admits that she has an eating disorder, Frank tells the waitress. “'Bring four orders of pancakes, plenty of butter and syrup'” (200). Rather than supporting his friend in solving the problem, Frank begins to “reward” Tub for accepting him as a leader, and as a positive reward, Frank fuels Tub's insecurities. After Tub's pancake order arrived, Frank "leaned forward on his elbows and rested his chin in one hand" (200). His actions, which mirror those of an admirer or spectator, and admission that Tub's act of messily eating pancakes is "cool" convey his pure enjoyment of the power he has acquired and his self-satisfaction (200) . Keep in mind: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Kenny and Tub serve as complements to Frank, as their immature and insecure personalities are overwhelmed by Frank's display of dominance. His intimidating words and devious actions shape the plot into Frank's intentions and become increasingly more serious as the situation deliberately comes under his control. While..