The Odd Couple

By today's standards, a relationship between a high school senior and a middle-aged housewife would be considered inappropriate and vulgar. For example, the Mary Kay Letourneau scandal rocked the media world for months after the story broke. However, the relationship between Sonny and Mrs. Popper (who is coincidentally the wife of Thalia’s football coach) is described without any bias or judgment. The entire town knows about it, yet nobody ever says a word to either participant. It’s as though there’s an unspoken rule about love and sex—that discussions about the two things should stay private, no matter what.

They first began their affair after Sonny drove her to the doctor a few towns over, and continued it throughout his senior year. At first, the reader is given the impression that Sonny only goes to Mrs. Popper for sex. But as their relationship evolves, it’s clear that there is actually some sort of emotional attachment between the two. For example, Sonny occasionally goes to her house just to watch TV or hold hands, rather than engaging in their usual activity.

            Though Sonny becomes fond of Ruth, his feelings are completely overshadowed by hers for him. To be fair, Ruth has never had a proper relationship with anyone, so what she feels with Sonny seems more real to her than her own marriage. Despite this, Ruth feels no guilt about engaging in this illicit activity while tethered to Coach Popper.

            The most important aspect of their affair is the effect it has on Ruth, physically and emotionally. Before they got together, Ruth was pale, lifeless, and lonely. But after Sonny comes into the picture, she becomes fresher and livelier, almost echoing his youthfulness. The effect Sonny has on her is made abundantly clear when the reader sees Ruth at her lowest point—after Sonny has “left.” She loses all her sparkle and enthusiasm for life almost immediately after she realizes he isn’t coming back.

            This relationship plays a central role in “The Last Picture Show,” mainly as a contrast to other connections in the town. While it may seem odd to the reader, it’s interpreted as a fact of life, a sharp contrast to what the relationship would seem today.