Two Bikes Diverged In A Red Wood
Connotations of Color
The color red has both positive and negative interpretations. Positive attributes include passion, love, and energy. Negative attributes include rage, aggression, violence, and danger.
We can consider these traits when looking at the two stories in question. When thinking of Rudy Gelnett, we can associate the red of his bicycle with how much he loved his community and how much of his volunteer work was his passion. Whereas with William Hollenbaugh the red could emphasize the violence he carried out, reminiscent of the bloodshed, and the danger of being around him.
The multiple ways that one color of an object can be understood adds to the dynamic nature of these two men's stories.
Location
Imagine, for a moment, the odds of two bicycles such as these existing so close to one another. Rudy Gelnett and William Hollenbaugh lived at relatively the same time, they only had about six years of an age difference. The most important places associated with their stories are contained to being an hour and a half away from one another.
The locations they are displayed in further the way in which Rudy and Hollenbaugh are remembered. Hollenbaugh's bicycle hangs in the Pennsylvania State Police Museum, hanging above a case filled with objects taken from his cabin after his death. Rudy's bicycle hangs in the library he helped fund, a library named in his honor.
These bicycles hang in these places as monuments to their owners.
This map shows the relations of life and death between Rudy Gelnett and William Hollenbaugh, their places of birth and rest.
Connections Across the Board
It might seem peculiar to compare such different stories. Of course, the obvious differences in their backgrounds and character are understandable on a surface-level. Their relationships with their communities are radically different. These two red bicycles tell the juxtaposed tales of two men in South Central Pennsylvania history.
Therein lies the fascinating part of the story. The dichotomy of the human self. The actions one takes in life are so delicately manipulated. These two men were so different and differences both intrigue and scare us. The conflict between a charitable man and a madman—good versus evil, hero versus villain— lies at the heart of the story. A lesson must be learned. Here, the lesson is up for interpretation.
Look at every detail and form your own conclusions. After all, everyone has their own story they would like to hear.