Mitch as a
n Artful Person Reflected in Grisham’s
The Firm
A THESIS
Submitted as a Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Sarjana Degree of English Department Faculty of Arts and Humanities State Islamic
University of Sunan Ampel Surabaya
By: M a d z k u r Reg. Number: A03213031
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
FACULTY OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES
ABSTRACT
Madzkur. 2017. Mitch as an Artful Person Reflected in Grisham’s The
Firm.Thesis.English Department.Faculty of Arts and Humanities. State Islamic University of SunanAmpel Surabaya.
The Advisor: Sufi IkrimaSa’adah, M. Hum.
INTISARI
Madzkur. 2017. Mitch as an Artful Person Reflected in Grisham’s The Firm. Novel.. JurusanSastraInggris. FakultasAdabdanHumaniora.Universitas Islam NegeriSunanAmpel Surabaya.
DosenPembimbing: Sufi IkrimaSa’adah, M. Hum.
TABLE OF CONTENT
Inside Cover Page…….………..…………..i
Inside Title Page……….……….……...…… ii
Declaration Page………...……...……..……… iii
Dedication Page……….……….iv
Motto………..……… v
Advisor’sApproval Page………..………. vi
Examiner Approval Page……….………..vii
Acknowledgement……… viii
Table of Contents………...………..…. .xi
Abstract……….…………... xii Intisari………...………..……..….… xiii CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION………..…..….…………... 1
1.1.Background of The Study……….…………... 1
1.2.Statements of The Problem……….………... 4
1.3.Objective of the Study... 4
1.4.Significance of the Study... 4
1.6.Method of the Study... 5
1.7.Definition of Key Terms... 6
CHAPTER II REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE……….….. 7
2.1.Theoretical Framework...7
2.1.1.New Criticism... 7
2.1.1.1. Character...8
2.1.1.2. Characterization...10
2.2.Review of Related Study... 12
CHAPTER III ANALYSIS……… 15
3.1.The Description of Mitch’s Artfulness…...15
3.1.1.Intelligence………..………..……….….. 17
3.1.2.Skillful……….……. 21
3.1.3.Critical and not Easily Deceived……….…………. 23
3.1.4.Crafty………..……….………… 28
3.1.5.Persuasive………..………..……. 29
3.1.6.Curious……….…..……...…… 32
3.2.The Problems Contained in the Firm………....….. 37
3.2.1.Mysteries and Deceitfulness………..…...……….……. 37
3.3.Mitch Solves the Problems……….…….….…….. 43
3.3.1.Making Cooperation………..……….……….. 44
3.3.2.Giving the Evidences to FBI…...……….…..…….. 47
CHAPTER IV CONCLUSION... 51
WORK CITED...55
M a d z k u r| 1
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1.Background of the Study
Every written text includes history or philosophy is literature according to
David Carter’s Literary Theory (17). It is as general definition of literature. Then,
Arnold clarifies through the same book that literature is apart from its pleasing
aesthetic qualities, and it has an educational role in people’s lives (21). It means that
literature not only tells us about an aesthetic form, but substantially, it also has an
educational message. While in the other definition, literature is an imaginative work
in the sense of fiction which is not literary true, (Eagleton 1). It means there is
something hidden in the text by an author, and a reader should find and understand it.
Robert says, Literature refers to compositions that tell the stories, dramatize
situations, expresses emotions, and advocate ideas (1). This statement shows that
literature as a reflection of life.
Basically, there are many forms of literature; one of them is novel (Ratna
192). Gill in his book Mastering English Literature states that novel is fiction story
means something that specially made, formed, created, and imagined (120). The same
thing also explained by Gill in his book Mastering English Literature, if novel as a
work of art which is specially made and formed by the author (130). He also thinks if
M a d z k u r| 2
inside a certain way (77). As a kind of prose, novel is written in a particular length
(Eagleton 1). Such as The Firm by John Grisham which consists of 432 pages.
The Firm is a novel written by John Grisham, it was his second novel, and it
was sold more than seven million copies (1993). The Firm, which was published in
1991, was his first big success and sold over twelve million copies in paperback in
the United States alone. Its success enabled him to shift his focus from law to
full-time writing. According to Grisham’s official web site www.jgrisham.com, he had
never wondered if he became a writer. It was effused in his famous quotation “I
seriously doubt I wonder ever have written the first story had I not been a lawyer. I
never dreamed of being a writer. I wrote only after witnessing a trial” (John
Grisham).
As a thriller genre, The Firm has fast pacing. As Joyce G. Saricks has pointed
out in his book entitled The Readers’ Advisory Guide to Genre Fiction, he states
thriller genre is the combination of fast paced, action and adventure with particular
profession, such like espionage, medicine, or the law (71). However, the thriller genre
contains suspense elements. The elements of suspense emerged because it tells an
action-packed story that reveals the intricacies of that profession and the potential
dangers faced by those involved in it (71). It means that in this novel contains some
problems faced by Mitch, but then he can solve them. Davidson and Sternberg in
their The Psychology OfProblem Solving state that problems are a central part of
human life (10). While, Pursley in his Skills to Pay the Bills: Mastering Soft Skills for
M a d z k u r| 3
of their problems are big and complicated, while others may be more easily solved.
But, people have the necessary skills to find out the solutions (98). From the
description above can be concluded that problems are a part of human life and
everyone must have experienced it, but people have to be able to think critically to
assess the problems and find the solutions out.
Grisham tries to describe about an artful person through Mitchell Y. McDeere
as main character in the novel. Before he has even left law school, Mitch is offered
$80,000 a year in the job of his dreams, and even though the firm of Bendini,
Lambert & Locke seems peculiarly strict and conservative, Mitch moves with his
young wife to Memphis, Tennessee to take up the job. However, the firm turns out to
be even stranger than Mitch thought. Not only is it obsessively secretive, but its
lawyers keep dying. When he is offered a job at the super rich law firm of Bendini,
Lambert and Locke, he cannot believe his luck, with the kind of money they offer
him; all his dreams can come true. But dreams come at a price. And the firm's price is
very high, as high as Mitch's life, unless he fights, and fights hard. When Mitch is
contacted by the FBI, he learns the real truth about the firm, and he begins to realize
that he is in danger. Then, he tries to solve his problems and mystery contained in the
firm. By his artfulness, he can identify the problems happened around him, and his
artfulness is also able to keep him out of danger using his strategic plans.
Based on the background of the study above, the researcher is interested in
analyzing the characteristic of Mitch as an artful person reflected in Grisham’s The
M a d z k u r| 4
1.2.Statement of the Problems
Concerning the idea, which has been presented in the previous background of
the study, the researcher formulates the statements of the problem as below:
1. What kind of artfulness does Mitch have in the novel?
2. How does Mitch’s artfulness help him to solve his problems?
1.3.Objective of the Study
Based on the statement of problems stated above, then the researcher
formulates the objectives of the study as below:
1. To describe the kind of artfulness owned by Mitch in the novel.
2. To describe how Mitch’s artfulness helps him to solve his problems.
1.4.Significance of the Study
The significance of the study involves theoretical and practical functions.
Theoretically, the researcher does hope that it enriches the reader’s development of
knowledge in the literary theory that is related to the new criticism theory specifically
in character and characterization. Then practically, this study can give useful
contribution to the readers in understanding the contents of John Grisham’s The Firm
mainly concerning about how Mitch's artfulness which is portrayed in the novel, then
how his artfulness helps him to solve the problems. Also, the writer hopes that this
research can be a helpful reference for other researchers who are interested in
M a d z k u r| 5
1.5.Scope and Limitation
In conducting the analysis of Grisham’s The Firm, the researcher focuses on
Mitch as main character represented in the novel in order to answer the statement of
the problems stated above. Mitch portrayed as an artful person, it is able to keep him
out of danger, complications and suspense elements happened in the story. As a
result, the researcher focuses on the character, and the analysis used new criticism
theory which is focused on character and characterization.
1.6.Method of The Study
This research is library based. Therefore the researcher uses some references
to support the research, such as, the novels as the primary source, books, journals,
articles and online sources that has correlation with the object of the research. The
research is written mainly used descriptive method by the following steps:
1. Reading the novel for a few times, in order to understand the story and choose
the interesting part to be analyzed.
2. Selecting and collecting the data either in form of dialogues or narrations that
relate with Mitch’s artfulness and how it helps him to solve his problems.
3. Analyzing the data:
a) The researcher analyzes the data collected related to Mitch’s artfulness.
b) The researcher analyzes the data collected related to how Mitch’s
artfulness helps him to solve his problems.
M a d z k u r| 6
1.7.Definition of Key Terms
1. Artfulness that is meant in this research has closely meaning with
‘smart’, ‘clever’,‘skillful’‘cunning’ and ‘intelligent’. Goleman
through his Understanding Emotional Intelligence defined it as the
ability to monitor one's own and others' feeling and emotion, to
discriminate among them, and to use this information to guide one's
M a d z k u r| 7
CHAPTER 2
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 2.1.Theoretical Framework
In order to analyze the main problem in this research, the researcher uses new
criticism theory which focuses on character and characterization. The theory is to
expose more in detailed way about the artfulness of Mitch reflected in Grisham’s The
Firm and how his artfulness helps him to solve his problems.
2.1.1. New Criticism
New criticism has an important position as an approach in analyzing the text
books and other literary studies. Although, new criticism is not called as
contemporary theory, this approach is still dominated the literary studies from the
1940s through the 1960s (Tyson 138). Actually, new criticism was started to be well
known since 1930s to the late 1950s, this criticism was rooted in the south of
American (Carter 26).
Tyson states in his Critical Theory Today, that new criticism is known as
‘close reading’ which means that new criticism focuses on the individual literary
work in isolation from other literature and from other cultural productions (135).
Saerle’s also have the same opinion in her work entitled New Criticism, she states
that new criticism has practical criticism or we used to call it as ‘close reading’ by
M a d z k u r| 8
the aesthetic specificity of literary works (1). Therefore, the reader would like to
focus only on the text or the literary works. Steven and Stewart also argued if new
criticism is marked by focusing attention to the text and the form of the literary work
(13). From the series of the opinions above, it can be concluded that the definition of
new criticism is rejecting all other approach that could make the criticism focus on
the other thing beside the text itself (Carter 15).
Actually, new criticism clearly focused predominantly on poetry. But one
writer, Mark Schorer, extended its main precepts to include analysis of prose fiction,
such like short story, novel, drama and so on (Carter 28). Based on the explanation
above, in order to answer the statement of the problems, the researcher would like to
apply new criticism theory which concerns in the character and characterization.
2.1.1.1. Character
Aristotle, through Royle and Bennett’s an Introduction to Literature,
Criticism and Theoryargue that character is ‘secondary’ to what he calls the ‘first
essential’ or ‘lifeblood’ of tragedy, the plot, and that characters are included ‘for the
sake of the action (60). The other opinion, Kennedy in his Literature an Introduction
to Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Writing defines character as imagery person who put
in a story (74). In conclusion, character is the actors of a story that play the plot and
make the story come alive. Moreover, According to Royle and Bennett, characters are
the life of literature; they are the objects of our curiosity and fascination, affection
M a d z k u r| 9
technique used by an author to reveal the personality and characteristic of a person in
a story. Meanwhile, the technique to create a power in character itself will make the
reader sympathy and antipathy trough the characters and they can become part of the
character in the story itself (60). Robert and Jacobs in their Literature, an
Introduction to Reading and Writing said that character in literature could be called as
the manifestation of human that described the idea through speech and behavior. It is
representing human being completely with its interaction between its environment
through dialogue, action, and even commentary that is captured by the author (143).
Therefore, character becomes a significant part of the story.
Dietrich and Sundell in The Art of Fiction state that one of the fundamental
functions of character is to get the empathy and sympathy or the attention of the
reader so that he could feel the real experience of fiction. The author commonly do it
by put the main character that becomes the center point of the action side by side with
other character (75). Royle and Bennett give the affirmation to the statement above;
they said that through the power of identification, through sympathy and antipathy,
they can become part of how we conceive ourselves, a part of who we are (60).
Character could be produced by comparing or described it with the other
characters or with the setting, by describing the physical appearance, or even by
motive analyzed from the character mind and evaluate it through other character
(Dietrich and Sundell 77). In literature, the speeches, act, and interaction are arranged
to give clear information about the character (Robert and Jacobs 143). By looking at
M a d z k u r| 10
and conflict are like coming out from the fiction into real world and make the reader
sink between them. There are two kinds of character. They are round character and
flat character.
Round character keeps developing along the story. It often changes and
described by the author with many details (Kennedy and Gioia 75). It usually
becomes one of the major characters in a story that served some experiences which is
changing of some sort that has many realistic behaviors which commonly developed
well (Robert and Jacob 145). While, round character keeps developing, flat character
prefers to be static.
According to Kennedy and Gioia, flat character has only one behavior or trait
along the story (75). Flat character could not be distinguished with other character in
a certain group. However, it is not a person but it is representative. It usually comes
from minor character although not all of them are flat. They could be the parents or
even the brother or sister (Robert and Jacobs 145). It is totally different with round
character. While it keeps developing along the story, flat is not. Round character is
commonly come from the major character that becomes the centre of attention of the
reader than flat character is coming from minor one.
21.1.2.Characterization
In a literature, characterization becomes an important standard to introduce a
M a d z k u r| 11
personality to the readers or the audiences contained a novel or literary work (Coyle
150).
The author of literary works needs to introduce the characters to the readers
first while he creates a story. It is almost difficult to identify the characters to the
readers who do not understand the characters. Thus, the author must create the
character as if he or she were alive. Based on that, the author will involve the readers
to get in the story and might sympathize or oppose the character. It is as if
succumbing to the illusion that a character in a book is a person (Mullan 79).
The purpose of characterization is to help the readers know and understand
more about character’s strength and weakness. It is easy to presume that successful
characterization involves taking the reader to the heart, the inner core, of an imagined
person (Mullan 84). It primary explain about the real character in the story that have
same aspect in real life. Based on Royle and Bennett book, the realist characterization
presupposes a mimetic model of literary texts whereby what is primary or original is
a real person, and a character in a book is simply a copy of such a person. Such a
model does not allow for a reversal of this relationship; it does not allow for the
possibility that, for example, a person in ‘real life’ might be convincing to the extent
that he or she resembles a person in a book (63). On the face of it, such a reversal
may sound rather strange or counterintuitive; we would normally want to give
priority to a ‘person’ and say that characters in books are more or less like ‘real’
people. Indeed, literary history contains various dramatic instances where ‘life’
M a d z k u r| 12
2.1.2. Review of Related Studies
The researcher finds some related studies that used the same object, or the
same theory that used by the researcher. This research concerns the characteristic of
Mitch as a brilliant young lawyer reflected in Grisham’s The Firm. There are two
theses related with this research. All of them are undergraduate theses. The first one
is written by Triana Wahyu Utami, the second is Evi Faridhatur Rohmah.
Utami is as the undergraduate student from English Language and Literature
Study Program, Department of Humanities, Faculty of Social and Politicial Sciences,
Jenderal Soedirman University Purwokerto. The thesis wrote in 2013/2014. The
thesis is under the title Mitch’s Motive in Pursuing a Success as Reflected in John
Grisham’s The Firm. This research uses the psychological approach and theory of
human motivation by Abraham Maslow. The focus of this thesis to describes the
motivation of the main character, Mitchell Y. McDeere, to pursue his success. The
purpose of this research is to give more information how his dream can be a
motivation of the main character and to find out kinds of needs fulfilled by the main
character in the process of pursuing a success. After conducting the research, the
researcher concludes that being a poor and broken home kid does not mean that
Mitch will have a dark future. By his motivation, hard work, and doing some efforts,
he finally be able to change his fate to have a better life. In this research, there are
seven kinds of needs fulfilled by Mitch in his life journey in pursuing his American
Dream. This research is expected to give benefit to the English teachers, students, and
M a d z k u r| 13
The next related study is by Evi Faridhatur Rohmah as undergraduate student
from English Department Faculty of Letters Jember University, Jember. The thesis
wrote in 2011, the thesis is under the title An Analysis Of Mitchell Y. Mcdeere’s
Dilemmatic Decision Making in John Grisham’s The Firm. The theory used is
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Human Needs Theory. This thesis studies on dilemmatic
decision making in John Grisham’s The Firm because the main character of the novel
has a dilemmatic problem, a situationrequiring a choice between equally
objectionable alternatives in one’s life. Grishampresents Mitchell as being trapped in
a dilemma from which he has to choose to build career in Bendini firm or to snare it
by cooperation with FBI agent. On the other word, he has to decide whether he leaves
his firm or not. In making a decision, he is motivated by safety needs which based on
his interest. Thus, it is paramount important to recognize Mitchell’s suspicion of the
firm’s condition in order to understand how he later builds his choice. Besides, there
will be some discussions concerning why the main character gets dilemma, what the
effects and how he faces his problem which brings him into a dilemmatic situation.
As a result from the analysis, it can be concluded that people can solve their problems
and fulfill their needs which have been through, however they try hard to find the
way out. In addition, it is hard for people to make up their mind to do something.
People who want to decide one of the two, they should think carefully since they
cannot avoid the consequence of each choice. In this case, the main character of the
M a d z k u r| 14
result, he is successful on both snaring the law firm and staying alive in Primitive
little Island peacefully.
Compare with Triana Wahyu Utami and Evi Faridhatur Rohmah’s thesis, both
of them focus on the main character. But, there is difference between theory that is
used by Utami and Rohmah. They use the psychological approach by Abraham
Maslow. But, the object and the focus of their thesis are same. While, the researcher
here uses the concept of character and characterization include in new criticism
theory in this research. From these related studies, the researcher tries to understand
how Grisham describes the characteristic of Mitch in the novel. In order that, the
researcher get easier in conducting the research which is focused to the artfulness of
M a d z k u r| 15
CHAPTER 3
MITCH’S ARTFULNESS
This chapter will discuss about Mitch’s characteristic which is focused on
Mitch’s artfulness portrayed in the novel, then how his artfulness helps him to solve
his problems. But, before the researcher tries to find out Mitch’s artfulness which can
help him to solve the problems, the researcher would like to understand first how he
is described in the novel. From the description, the researcher would be able to
understand how Mitch solves the problems in the story by his characteristic and
personality.
3.1.The Description of Mitch’s Artfulness
Rule in his Character Evidence stated that character consists of the individual
patterns of behavior and characteristics which make up and distinguish one person
from another (1). Therefore, it can be understood that each person has a different
character, because the main function of the character is to distinguish between one
people to another. Such like the main character in Grisham’s The Firm, Mitchell Y.
M a d z k u r| 16
Mitchell Y. McDeere, or used to call as Mitch is the male main character in
the novel. He was introduced as an artful person. Definitely, there are some
indications or visible image about him which made him looked like an artful person.
Therefore, in this section the researcher tries to find out those indications. As a result,
the researcher would then easily find out how Mitch’s artfulness helps him to solve
the problems.
Mitchell Y. McDeere was twenty five years old. He was about to graduate in
the top five from Harvard Law School. He had a beautiful wife, Abby. He was white,
handsome, tall and physically fit. He didn't take drugs or drink too much. And he was
hungry. He wanted it all; money, power, a big house, a fast car. And he was a man
who could never get enough. He urgently wanted to succeed. Those descriptions
about Mitch are narrated in the orientation of the novel.
M a d z k u r| 17
solicited, and hired blacks. This firm recruited, and remained lily white (Grisham 1).
The description above is about the general characteristics of Mitch, he had a
brains means that he is smart, intelligent or clever. Ambitions and hungry mean that
he has dreams in his life. In general description, Mitch was described as an artful
person. But there are some more specific classifications of Mitch's artfulness as will
be explained below.
3.1.1. Intelligence
According to Goleman Understanding Emotional Intelligence the definition
of intelligent is the ability to understand and monitor one's own and others' feeling and
emotion, to discriminate among them, and to use this information to guide one's thinking and
action (39). It can be concluded that the intelligent people can understand and monitor
feeling and emotion easily. Goleman also stated in the same book that there are two
types of human intelligence, including Personal Competence and Social Competence.
Personal competence itself is divided into two parts including self-awareness which
means how people feel and accurately assess their emotional state. Then,
self-management which means builds on the understanding that people gained with
M a d z k u r| 18
While social competence is how people manage their relationship with others,
including their emotions. This is also divided into two parts, such as social-awareness
involves people’s awareness about other people’s emotions and social phenomenon
happened around them. Then the second is relationship-management which means
using awareness of own emotions and those of others to build strong relationship
(11). In this research, there is little correlation between Mitch's intelligence portrayed
in the novel with the theory of intelligence described by Goleman, Mitch has aspects
of personal and social intelligence. His personal intelligence has been able to help
him achieve several awards at Harvard Law School, one of which is being top five
graduations.
Mitchell Y. McDeere was twenty-five years old. He was about to graduate in the top five from Harvard Law School. (Waterfield 6).
Since Mitch was about to graduate in the top five from Harvard Law School,
it causes three firms in New York and Chicago were interested in him and offering
him to join, and Mitch is agree to join the interview of these three firms. According to
the file, the highest offer was $76,000 and the lowest was $68,000. All the partners
M a d z k u r| 19
He was holding three job offers, two in New York and one in Chicago, and that the highest offer was $76,000 and the lowest was $68,000. He was in demand. He had been given the opportunity to cheat on a securities exam during his second year. He declined, and made the highest grade in the class (Grisham 1).
The three firms offer him a job with considerable salaries because of his
intelligence, it makes these three firms were interested in him. He is ultimately won
over by a law firm in Memphis, Tennessee Bendini, Lambert & Locke. Bendini,
Lambert and Locke, a small tax law firm based in Memphis, everything about it is
very confidential; business relations, clients, and the regulations. It is one of the three
firms that are offering Mitch a highest salary. This firm was started in 1944. There are
only forty-one members in this firm. They get one new member every two years, only
a few special members could enter certain parts of the building.
He looked good, on paper. He was their top choice. In fact, for this year there were no other prospects. The list was very short. It was McDeere or no one (Grisham 1).
“We are different, and we take pride in that. We have forty-one lawyers, so
we are small compared with other firms. We don’t hire too many people;
about one every other year. We offer the highest salary and fringes in the
M a d z k u r| 20
thousand third-year law students at the best schools. Only one letter was sent.
We don’t advertise openings and we don’t solicit applications. We keep a low
profile, and we do things differently. That’s our explanation.” (Grisham 3).
The narration above described that Mitch was the person whom is wanted by
the firm. This firm only has forty-one members, and they hired only one person a year
and very selective. This firm offered Mitch $80,000, a new BMW and help in buying
a house. Mitch was interested, of course, because Mitch urgently wanted to succeed:
money, a big house, a fast car are the points he wants to achieve. As concluded, he
would take the higher salary, and throw the lowers after interviewed by them.
“How much?” Mitch asked.
“Okay. A base salary of eighty thousand the first year, plus bonuses. Eighty -five the second year, plus bonuses. A low-interest mortgage so you can buy a home. Two country club memberships. And a new BMW. You pick the color,
of course.” (Grisham 7).
After gathering the firm, Mitch gets some accomplishment. One example of
the accomplishments made by Mitch is finishing the target of works set by the firm.
The Capps crisis passed in two weeks without disaster, thanks largely to a string of eighteen-hour days by the newest member of The Firm. Avery
proudly informed the partners at the monthly meeting that McDeere’s work
M a d z k u r| 21
perfect, all meticulously researched, drafted and redrafted by McDeere (Grisham 78).
The description above is about Mitch's success in the firm, as a newcomer he
has been able to work very well. Avery, his senior partner gave him the task to
complete a total of four hundred pages of Capps crises, but with his intelligence he
was able to finish the work three days ahead of schedule. Then proudly Avery
introduced Mitch to all members of the firm in monthly meetings.
The previous explanations have already described the Mitch's intelligence, his
intelligence made him graduate in top five graduations. Therefore, three firms in New
York and Chicago was interested in him, but he decided to join the firm that offered
him the highest salary, Bendini Lambert & Locke in Memphis, Chicago.
3.1.2. Skillful
Green in his work entitled What is Skill? An Inter-Disciplinary Synthesis
states that skill is one of those social science words in common parlance with many
meanings, numerous synonyms such as “ability”, “competence”, “knack”, “aptitude”
and “talent”, and varied imprecise translations in other languages (6). While, Renold
trough Winterton, Delamare and Stringfellow’s Typology of Knowledge, Skills and
M a d z k u r| 22
usually refers to a level of performance, in the sense of accuracy and speed in
performing particular tasks, skilled performance and skills may equally be acquired
through practice, without training (26). Then, it was reinforced by Cox’s argument in
the same book that skill involved both physical abilities and mental cognitive
abilities, performance in terms of speed and accuracy (27). From the description
above, it can be understood that the basic meaning of the skill is psychosocial ability
possessed by individuals.
In the part of the novel, the researcher found that Mitch also has skill and
ability in the field of sports especially in the field of football. Mitch likes this type of
sport very much. When he was at Harvard Law School, he always took time for
playing. But after joining the firm, he reduced his penchant for playing football
because of his preoccupation with his work.
They knew that he had won a place at Western Kentucky University because he was good at football, and had graduated top of his class. They could see the poverty hurt, and that he wanted to climb away from it (Waterfield 1).
“How’d you makestraight A’s and play football?” “I put the books first.”
“I don’t imagine Western Kentucky is much of an academic school,” Lamar
M a d z k u r| 23
Besides sports, the researcher also found the other skills or abilities. Mitch is
very good at accounting; this is evidenced by the certificate of CPA (Certified Public
Accounting). He was also adept at taxing that he was very interested in taxation
firms.
He had a degree in accounting, passed the CPA exam the first time he took it and he wanted to be a tax lawyer, which of course was a requirement with a
tax firm… (Grisham 1).
The description above already described some of the skill Mitch has, such as
football and accounting which is evidenced by the CPA. These skills then also
became considerations by Bendini Lambert & Locke in hiring him.
3.1.3. Critical and not Easily Deceived
The next point, Mitch is also described as critical and not easily deceived. His
critical power makes him not easily accept everything that is charged to him,
including illogical questions, and illogical regulations. Critical power involves both
cognitive skills and dispositions. These dispositions, which can be seen as attitudes or
habits of mind, include open- and fair-mindedness, inquisitiveness, flexibility, a
propensity to seek reason, a desire to be well-informed (Lai 2). The critical power
M a d z k u r| 24
Stephen in his The Goal of Smart People explains that an artful people cannot be
striped, they have sense of control over their environment (Stephen 2). Perfectly, he is
critical and not easily deceived; he always has basic reasons for his oppositions to the
other. Therefore, it makes difficult to control him. Although the firm already doctrine
the members to obey the official regulation. But, Mitch always thinks twice to obey
the regulations. He always considers what if the regulations will make a profit to him,
or the opposite.
“May I ask a question?” Mitch asked. “Certainly.”
“Sure.” “Anything.”
“Why are we interviewing in this hotel room? The other firms interview on campus through the placement office.”
“Good question.” They all nodded and looked at each other and agreed it was a good question (Grisham 3).
In the novel is told that Bendini Lambert & Locke oblige its members to have
children, the rule is considered as family stability. However, as the researcher has
explained that any doctrines or rules that are considered unreasonable will be ignored
by Mitch. He didn’t worry about that, he just want to focus on his ambition, achieving
M a d z k u r| 25
“That’s understandable. What about children?”
“Couple of years. She wants to work some, then get pregnant.” “What’s your opinion of this guy?”
“Very good, very decent young man. Also very ambitious. I think he’s driven and he won’t quit until he’s at the top. He’ll take some chances, bend some rules if necessary.”
Ollie smiled. “That’s whatI wanted to hear.” (Grisham 31).
‘The firm likes its members to have steady marriages. Babies are encouraged.
Of course wives are not forbidden to work.'
'I hope not,' said Mitch, puzzled by the word 'forbidden' (Waterfield 8).
The description above described that the firm has some regulation that
considered illogical by Mitch; it is about having a child. Mitch wants to focus to the
career first, then tries to think about that.
In addition, the doctrine about family stability has also been discussed by
Abby McDeere with Kay Quin. Kay is the wife of one of the members of the firm,
Lamar Quin, and then becomes his new friend. In the conversation, Kay gives little
understanding about family stability to Abby that wives are not recommended to
work, and every member is encouraged to have a child. It was all about the rules that
Mitch ignored because it is considered not too important.
M a d z k u r| 26
“No. Most of us don’t work. The money is there, so we’re not forced to, and
we get little help with the kids from our husbands. Of course, working is not
forbidden.”
“Forbidden by whom?” “The Firm.”
“I would hope not.” Abby repeated the word “forbidden” to herself, but let it
pass.
Kay sipped her coffee and watched the ducks. A small boy wandered away
from his mother and stood near the fountain. “Do you plan to start a family?”
Kay asked.
“Maybe in a couple of years.” “Babies are encouraged.” “By whom?”
“The Firm.”
“Why should care if we have children?”
“Again, stable families. A new baby is a big deal around the office. They send
flowers and gifts to the hospital. You’re treated like a queen. Your husband gets a week off, but he’ll be too busy to take it. They put a thousand dollars in a trust fund for college. It’s a lot of fun.” (Grisham 20).
Including some of the doctrines and regulations imposed on Mitch and the rest
of the members are keeping company secrets from being told to anyone including
their family and closest related people. At the beginning, Mitch followed the rule, but
in the end, Mitch ignored it and told his wife after learning some of the mysteries
M a d z k u r| 27
“We simply do not discuss our client’s business with anyone, and that includes our wives. We’re very quiet, very secretive, and we like it that way.
You’ll meet other lawyers around town and sooner or later they’ll ask something about our firm, or about a client. We don’t talk, understand?” “Of course, Mr. Lambert.”
“Good. We’re very proud of you, Mitch. You’ll make a great lawyer. And a
very rich lawyer. See you Saturday.” (Grisham 64).
Every associate hired by the firm was taught the evils of a loose tongue.
Everything was secret — especially clients' business. Young associates were
warned that talking about the firm's business outside the firm could delay the prize of a partnership. Nothing left the building on Front Street. Wives were
told not to ask questions — or were lied to. The associates were expected to
work hard, keep quiet and spend their healthy incomes (Waterfield 8).
The narrations above described that the firm did the doctrine to the members,
including keeping their mouth shut about the business clients outside the firm and it
could delay the prize of partnership in the firm.
The basic factor underlying Mitch for not easily deceived is his
social-awareness. As the researcher told in the previous that social-awareness is involving
our awareness to include the emotions of those people around us. (Goleman 11). With
this pattern, Mitch always had control of people emotions. He is not easy to agree on
M a d z k u r| 28
3.1.4. Crafty
In the description of Mitch's character, the researcher finds that Mitch has a
crafty character. It appears when Mitch was confronted with any problems, to make a
decision, he was not rash. He always considered if it would harm him or not.
“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” Said Abby. “I feel weak.”
“We have to be careful, Abby. We must continue to live as if we suspect nothing.” (Grisham 150).
“This is crazy, Mitch. I guess we’re supposed to run out in the backyard to have a conversation.”
“Of course not. We could use the front yard.”
“At this moment, I don’t appreciate your sense of humor.”
“Sorry. Look, Abby, let’s be normal and patient for a while. Tarrance has
convinced me he’s serious and he’s not going to forget about me. I can’t stop
him. He finds me, remember. I think they follow me and wait in ambush. For
the time being, it’s important that we carry on as usual.” (Grisham 151).
The narrations above is about the conversation between Mitch and his Wife,
the talked about wired house, then Mitch said to Abby to live as if they suspect
nothing, in order the firm did know about that. Mitch was very careful in doing
interactions, especially with his siblings, Ray, and his mother. Because he was afraid
M a d z k u r| 29
becoming the victims of the firm. One day, Mitch visited his mother's place on
Christmas, he saw his mother, but he did not go straight to her, because he was afraid
someone was watching him. He is crafty; always have consideration in making
decision.
“It’s my Mother!” Mitch said to the Driver.
“Okay. Ain’tyou gonna talk to her? I mean it’s Christmas, and you found your momma. You gotta go see her, don’t you?”
“No. Not now.” (Grisham 156).
Mitch still did not have the right time to meet his mother, because he realized
the he was being watched, he was afraid if his mother got into trouble because of him.
After several attempts done by the firm to monitor him, then Mitch
understood the situation that the danger lurks every step of the way, he is always
cautious in making decisions with his cunning and strategic plans.
3.1.5. Persuasive
After several descriptions of Mitch's artfulness, the researcher also found that
Mitch was depicted as a persuasive person, the way he spoke and the way he behaved
could influence his interlocutor. Pheat in his Influencing and Persuasion Skill states
M a d z k u r| 30
them to do is a key skill not only in a business but in life as whole (6). Moreover, he
says that people with advanced communication skills understand not just how to
communicate with others, but also how to influence and persuade them with his
behavior (8). As a result, being persuasive person is the key skill in life, people can
communicate well with this skill and people also are able to persuade the others with
this skill. One example of Mitch’s persuasive power is when he rarely goes home
and neglects his wife because of his busyness in the office, but he is able to convince
his wife so that later his wife forgives his mistake.
“Why are you home?” she demanded, sitting up in bed, smiling now.
Smiling? “I live here,” he said weakly. “Why didn’t you call?”
“Do I have to call before I can come home?” His breathing was now almost
normal. Shewas fine!
“It would be nice. Come here and kiss me.” (Grisham 200).
Mitch's versatility in persuading is more often used to convince his wife. As
long as Mitch joined the firm he did not even have more time to go on vacation with
his wife. At the coming Christmas, his wife hoped that Mitch would accompany her,
but as usual, Mitch rejected her with promises that convinced her.
“I’m leaving now,” she said softly, but firmly. He stood slowly and looked at
M a d z k u r| 31
“I wish you would come with me,” she said.
“Maybe next year.” It was a lie, and they knew it. But it sounded good. It was promising.
“Please be careful.” “Take care of my dog.”
“We’ll be fine.” (Grisham 151).
The conversation above described that Mitch is convincing his wife in
Christmas, he could not be with her at that time because of his work, but his wife
wanted him.
Besides that, Mitch also used his persuasive power to his partner when he
made cooperation to FBI agent; he made an offer that the FBI agent could not refuse.
“Listen to me, Tarrance, and listen good. If I hit the road with the Mafia on
my tail, my brother goes with me. Sort of like a package deal. And I know if
Director Voyles wants him out of prison, he’ll get out of prison. I know that. Now, you boys just figure out a way to make it happen.”
“But we have no authority to interfere with state prisoners.” Mitch smiled and
returned to his coffee. “James Earl Ray escaped from Brushy Mountain. And he had no help from the outside.”
“Oh, that’s great. We attack the prison like commandos and rescue your brother. Beautiful.”
“Don’t play dumb with me, Tarrance. It’s not negotiable.”
M a d z k u r| 32
From the conversation between Mitch and FBI agent above could be
concluded that his persuasive power was being used, he made an offer that the FBI
agent could not refused including to release his brother, Ray from prison. But then,
FBI agent was in a deal with him.
3.1.6. Curious
In the part of the story, the novel illustrates that Mitch also known as people
who has a high sense of curiosity. It appears when conducting an interview with
Bendini firm, Oliver Lambert as a senior partner in the company who was
interviewing Mitch at that time gave Mitch a question that he felt was unworthy
question. Therefore, Mitch tried to clarify all of the questions asked to him. He would
clarify anything he felt ambiguous and mysterious.
“Tell us about your family.” Asked Oliver Lambert. “Why is that important?”
“It’s very important to us, Mitch,” Royce McKnight said warmly.
They all say that, thought McDeere. “Okay, my father was killed in the coal
mines when I was seven years old. My mother remarried and lives in Florida. I had two brothers. Rusty was killed in Vietnam. I have a brother named Ray
McDeere.” “Where is he?”
“I’m afraid that’s none of your business.” He stared at Royce McKnight and
M a d z k u r| 33
“I’m sorry,” the managing partner said softly (Grisham 3-4).
Mitch's suspicions to Bendini, Lambert & Locke grew. From some of the
questions, regulations or even the doctrines that were imposed on him made him
suspicious. Besides that, there were other things that made him suspicious, when
Mitch had some suspicious information from Wayne Tarrance, one of the FBI agents
who had met him at a restaurant; Tarrance told him about the mystery behind the
deaths of employees. His suspicion grew steadily up. Then, he went to a detective
agent to get an answer to his suspicions, his name is Eddie Lomax, detective agency
whom Mitch had asked to help track down the mystery behind the deaths of Bendini
Lambert & Locke's employees and also to get more information about the FBI agent
who contacted him, Tarrance.
“So what’s the problem? You got trouble with your wife?” Eddie asked
“No. Nothing like that. I need some information about four people. Three are
dead, one is alive.” “Who are these people?”
“The three dead ones were once lawyers in our firm. Robert Lamm was killed
in a hunting accident somewhere in Arkansas. Somewhere in the mountains. He was missing for about two weeks and they found him with a bullet in the
head. There was an autopsy. That’s all I know. Alice Knauss died in 1977 in a
M a d z k u r| 34
committed suicide in 1984. His body was found in his office. There was a gun
and a note.”
“That’s all you know?” “That’s it.”
“What’re you looking for?”
“At this point, nothing. I’m just curious.” “You’re more than curious.”
“Okay, I’m more than curious. But for now, let’s leave it at that.” “Who’s thefourth guy?”
“A man named Wayne Tarrance. He’s an FBI agent here in Memphis.” “FBI!” (Grisham 108).
One day, Mitch flew into Washington on the firm's private jet. DeVasher did
not want him to go. He is a former New Orleans police detective, now the firm's
security chief. He is in charge of monitoring the firm's lawyers and carrying out the
Moroltos' dirty work. Morolto is a large Chicago-based mafia engaged in White
collar crime, whose intervention against Bendini Lambert & Locke is very strong.
Chicago had given orders that Mitch was not to Leave Memphis on firm business
except at least with two partners. But the firm had arranged months ago for Mitch to
go to this conference on taxes in Washington. In his first morning at the conference, a
man named Harbison, FBI, whispered him and passed him a note. The note red;
M a d z k u r| 35
I would like to speak to you for a few minutes during lunch. Please follow
Grant Harbison's instructions. Thank you for your co-operation.
F.Denton Voyles
F. Denton Voyles, the almost legendary boss of the FBI, Voyles asks Mitch to collect
some evidence against the company, and then promises to protect him and Abby after
the FBI takes steps against the company and its criminal partner. But Mitch was still
in a daze.
'Sir, do you have any idea how confused and frightened I am? I really need an explanation. What's happening?' Mitch started the conversation.
'Mitch, what I'm about to tell you will certainly shock you. You won't want to believe it. But it's all true, and with your help we can save your life.' Mitch waited.
'No lawyer has ever left your firm alive,' Voyles went on. 'Three have tried,
and they were killed.’ (Waterfield 33).
If you know so much, why don't you just go in there and arrest them all?' asked Mitch.
M a d z k u r| 36
to go. But, we'll put you in prison along with the rest of them if you don’t'
(Waterfield 34).
The narration above described that he was being curious with the mysteries
contained in the firm. Besides that, Voyles invited him to make cooperation, but he
still in considerations.
From the explanation above, the researcher tries to conclude some of the kinds
of Mitch's artfulness. Such as intelligence which was proved by his achievements in
Harvard Law School, he was graduating in the top five graduations. It made three
firms in New York and Chicago interested in him with a varied salary offer; the two
firms which were placed in New York were offering him $ 76,000 and $ 68,000,
while firm which was placed in Chicago offered him $ 80,000, a new BMW and help
in buying a house. From some of these offers, Mitch took the highest offer, Bendini,
Lambert & Locke placed in Memphis Chicago. Besides his intelligence, Mitch is
portrayed as a skillful person, he is very interested in sports especially football, he is
good in football. Besides that, he is also persuasive; he has ability in communication
and he will be able to influence people around him with his ingenious behavior. Then,
he is also critical and not easily to deceived, with his critical power; he always gives
M a d z k u r| 37
described above that Bendini also burdens him with some rules which not correlate
with the firm and he tends to ignore the illogical regulations, such like; having
children and for the members are forbidden to talk about the firm to anyone. And
what is more, Mitch is also described as a crafty person; he has ability to strategize,
cunning, full of consideration and not rash in making decision. The next is high
curiosity; it made him always want to know the reasons of every regulations or
doctrine made by the firm. Then, his suspicion changes him becoming resistance to
the firm. Bendini, Lambert & Locke is known as a firm which has many secrets and
mysteries, Mitch was suspicious, and Mitch is invited to make cooperation with the
FBI agent. At first, he hesitated to accept the offer of cooperation, but in the end he
did it.
3.2.The Problems Contained in the Firm
In this section, the researcher will try to explain what are the problems
contained in the firm.
3.2.1. Mysteries and Deceitfulness
The abundant salary offer with the bonuses of work that would later be
M a d z k u r| 38
Law School and he is in need of work, obviously the offer is not rejected by him.
Moreover, Bendini, Lambert & Locke offers the highest salary compared to other law
firms that also offer to him. But who would have thought it, his decision to take an
offer from Bendini, Lambert & Locke becomes great disaster for him. Behind the
high offer from Bendini, Lambert & Locke contains a great mystery. The law firm
was apparently used as the guise of money laundering. Many lawyers die suddenly by
accident, suicide, and others. But all his death is suspicious.
Finally, there was a special FBI agent named Wayne Tarrance who contacted
Mitch and told all the stories about Bendini's Law Bureau. Tarrance tried to explain
what was going on at the firm, the deceitfulness of the firm in money laundering.
Tarrance also told that his phone is bugged and his home is wired. At first, Mitch was
a bit hesitant to him, but then he began to believe in him. Then, Mitch was invited to
make cooperation in order to dismantle the whole crime of the firm.
“You’re McDeere, aren’t you?” Tarrance asked.
“Yeah. Who are you?” Mitch asked.
He grabbed his pocket and whipped out a badge. “Tarrance, Wayne Tarrance,
Special Agent, FBI. We watch that firm pretty close.” He raised his eyebrows
and waited for a response.
M a d z k u r| 39
“To warn me? I’m listening.”
“Three things. Number one, don’t trust anyone. There’s not a single person in
that firm you can confide in. Remember that. It will become important later on. Number two, every word you utter, whether at home, at the office or anywhere in the building, is likely to be recorded. They might even listen to
you in your car. Number three, money don’t grow on trees.” (Grisham 91).
In the conversation above, Tarrance was giving information to Mitch. There
are three points. Number one, Tarrance informed Mitch that there was no people
could be believed in to share with. Because, almost all people in the firm know about
the deceitfulness of the firm about taxation. Number two, Tarrance informed him if
his home and his phone were wired. As a result, every conversation he made would
be heard by the firm. The last, Tarrance said that “money don’t grow on the trees” it
meant that the firm doing a deceitfulness in taxation in order to get much money.
In addition, there are some things Tarrance told Mitch, the mystery about the
killing of Hodges and Khozinski, two members of Bendini Lambert & Locke, who
were murdered because they allegedly conspired with the FBI.
“There’s one other thing,” Tarrance said. “We saw you at the funerals of
Hodge and Kozinski. Sad, really sad. Their deaths were not accidental.”
He looked down at Mitch with both hands in his pockets and smiled.
M a d z k u r| 40
Tarrance started for the door. “Gimme a call sometime, but be careful.
Remember, they’re listening.” (Grisham 92).
The conversation above already described that the death of employees were
not accident, there was something wrong with the mystery of the death. Eddie Lomax
also clarified after doing investigation to this mystery, Eddie also found something
factious with the death.
“So what do you think of our little firm?” Mitch asked as he stared at the river
in the distance.
“It’s a dangerous place to work. They’ve lost five lawyers in the past fifteen years. That’s not a very good safety record.”
“Five?”
“If you include Hodge and Kozinski. I’ve got a source telling me there are some unanswered questions.” (Grisham 144).
You’ve gotfive lawyers in that firm who’ve died under very suspicious
circumstances, and you act like you may be next. Yeah, I’d say you got
problems. Big problems.” (Grisham 144).
The conversation above described that the firm was dangerous place, because
in the past fifteen years, the firm have lost five lawyers. The first is Alice Knause was
killed in a car wreck in 1977. The second is Robert Lamm shot once through the
M a d z k u r| 41
evidence to begin an investigation. The third is Mickel, according to the results of
investigations conducted by Eddie, Mickel was shot in a temple, but the firm doubted
the case, they say that Mickel was doing suicide, but no indication that can justify it,
other than that Mickel also never use pestol during him life. The fourth and fifth are
Hodges and Khozinski, they were murdered in the Cayman Islands, but the firm also
doubted the case, the firm said that they had an accident on board.
After some effort to identify the problems contained in the firm, then he found
the truth from some information he got. But then, Mitch becomes the target of
espionage.
3.2.2. Mitch is being Watched
After getting more information from Wayne Tarrance and Eddie Lomax about
some of the problems contained in the firm, Mitch was very surprised, he constantly
monitored in his movements by Law Bureau, Bendini, Lambert & Locke. His house
and his car have been installed flavoring, so every conversation he does will be
known. This would be a new problem in his life, he thought that Bendinin, Lambert
& Locke was the firm he had dreamed of, but after learning the truth, he was very
M a d z k u r| 42
FBI or stays with the firm’s deceitfulness. Mitch is heavily watched. Locke and
Lambert as two senior partners in the firm were worried if Mitch will make
cooperation with FBI later on. As a result, he is in danger. Because the firm will not
hesitate to kill anyone it deems harmful.
“What will they do?”
“Nothing serious. We’ll watch the boy around the clock and check all his
phone calls. And wait. He’s not gonna move. It’s up to Tarrance. He’ll find him again, and the next time we’ll be there. Try to keep him in the building as much as possible. When he leaves, let us know, if you can. I don’t think it’s
that bad, really.” (Grisham 96).
The conversation above made by Locke and Lambert to their stuff, DeVasher.
Locke and Lambert commanded DeVasher to keep watching to Mitch, they were
afraid if Mitch share the problems contained in the firm to FBI. As a result, the firm
plotted something for Mitch; they sent a beautiful woman to seduce Mitch while on a
tax work for client in the Cayman Islands, at that night, they make love in the sand.
From the darkness, there was someone took the photos of the pair. The photos end up
with DeVasher. Then DeVasher threatened Mitch that he would tell his wife about
the photos if he did not keep his mouth shut.
M a d z k u r| 43
He removed his shirt and waded into the water. She watched him with a smile, and when he reached her, she took his hand and led him to deeper water. She locked her hands around his neck, and they kissed. He found the strings. They kissed again (Grisham 120).
“I have something that will keep you honest.” He reached in his sport coat and
pulled out a manila envelope.
“Take a look at these,” he said with a sneer, and walked away. Mitch leaned
on the limo and nervously opened the envelope. There were four photographs, black and white, eight by ten, very clear. On the beach. The girl.
“Oh my god! Who took these?” Mitch yelled at him (Grisham 197).
Mitch did not realize that it had been planned by the firm in order to Mitch
keep his mouth shut. The situation brought Mitch into dilemma between keeping
secrets of the firm or telling it to the FBI.
From description of the problems above, then Mitch developed several
strategies to solve the problems.
3.3.Mitch Solves the Problems
In this section, the researcher would like to describe how Mitch overcame the
problems. With his artfulness, Mitch was able to identify problems and then develop
a cunning strategy to solve it. The following are the strategic planes developed by
M a d z k u r| 44
3.3.1. Making Cooperation
In this stage, Mitch ever had cooperation with detective agents, Eddie Lomax
to help him unravel the company's deceitfulness and mystery. But, the attempt was
successfully thwarted by the firm by killing Eddie. However, in this cooperation,
Mitch has gotten some information about the truth of the firm.
“Listen, Eddie. You must be very careful with this. Don’t call me at home or the office. I’ll call you in about a month. I suspect I’m being watched very closely.”
“By whom?”
“I wish I knew.” (Grisham 109).
‘And they've killed Eddie, and next they want you and me.' Said Tammy.
(Waterfield 33).
From the conversation above, it have described that Mitch ever had
cooperated with Eddie Lomax to solve the problems, before then Eddie were killed
by the firm.
After Eddie's death, Mitch finally decided to help the FBI to dismantle
Mystery and deceitfulness contained in the firm on the condition that his older
M a d z k u r| 45
“Listen to me, Tarrance, and listen good. If I hit the road with the Mafia on
my tail, my brother goes with me. Sort of like a package deal. And I know if
Director Voyles wants him out of prison, he’ll get out of prison. I know that. Now, you boys just figure out a way to make it happen.”
“Don’t play dumb with me, Tarrance. It’s not negotiable.”
“All right, all right. I’ll see what I can do. Anything else? Any more
surprises?”
“No, just questions about where we go and what we do. Where do we hide
initially? Where do we hide during the trials? Where do we live for the rest of
our lives? Just minor questions like that.” “We can discuss it later.” (Grisham 230).
In this cooperation, the FBI sought Mitch's help to provide important and
accurate information about Bendini Lambert & Locke's deceitfulness in taxation,
including all documents of taxation activities within the firm. Mitch promised it with
some of the requests, including asking that his brother, be released from prison. In
this case, Tarrance looked in bit objection. But finally, they were in a deal.
“What did Hodge and Kozinski tell you?”
“Not enough. We’ve got a notebook, a rather thick notebook, in which we’ve
accumulated and indexed everything we know about the Moroltos and. Most
of it’s Morolto crap, their organization, key people, illegal activities and so on. You need to read it all before we start to work.”
“Which, of course, will be afterI’ve received the first million.” “Of course. When can we see your files?”
M a d z k u r| 46
“How many files?”
“Between forty and fifty. I have to sneak them out a few at a time. Some I’ve
worked on for eight months, others only a week or so. As far as I can tell,
they’re all legitimate clients.” (Grisham 231).
In this cooperation, Mitch asked the FBI to his brother’s freedom from prison,
while the FBI asked him the documents as the evidences of the deceitfulness of the
firm. The cooperation between Mitch and FBI was watched by the firm, it happened
because there was an FBI’s person who has sold information to the firm; as a result,
Bendini chased him.
“Wayne Tarrance, please. It’s an emergency. This is Mitch McDeere.” Tarrance was on the phone in seconds. “Mitch, where are you?”
“Okay, Tarrance, what’s going on?”
“Well, we’ve, uh, we’ve had a slight problem. There’s been a small leak.” “Leak, Tarrance? Talk to me, Tarrance, before I hang up this phone and
disappear.”
Listen, Mitch. They know. They know we’ve been talking, and they know
about the money and the files. One of our senior men sold the information. We caught him this morning at a hotel in Washington. They paid him two
hundred thousand for the story on you. We’re in shock, Mitch.”
“Oh, I’m touched. I’m truly concerned over your shock and pain, Tarrance. I
guess now you want me to run down there to your office so we can all sit
around and console each other.”
M a d z k u r| 47
“Right. You want me to rush into your arms for protection. You’re an idiot, Tarrance. Voyles is an idiot. You’re allidiots. And I’m a fool for trusting you.” (Grisham 321).
The conversation above described that some of the FBI’s person sold the
information about the cooperation made between Mitch and FBI. Therefore, Mitch
was chased by the firm’s people. At that time, he felt cheated by an FBI agent; he
decides to run away with his wife and also his brother Ray. As a result, he is in
pursuer of FBI and the firm’s people.
3.3.2. Giving the Evidences to FBI
Mitch, his wife, Ray and Tammy, Eddis’s wife keep running, and Ray protect
Abby from a hit man of Bendini, Lambert & Locke. The FBI and the hit man did
everything to get them, but the four always made it one step ahead of their pursuers.
Mitch, his wife and brother had to flee from the law firm and the FBI. Eventually
they escaped and all the documents as the evidences of a crime law firm were given
to the FBI, it could be used to sue the Bendini, Lambert & Locke.
Before he picked up the flight schedule, he asked his partner Tammy to tell
