Mr. R.L. Turner Character Analysis in Rocket Boys

the principal of Big Creek High School, Mr. R.L. Turner plays a key role in the success of Homer and the BCMA’s rocketry. While he’s initially reluctant to allow Homer and his friends endanger their community by experimenting with explosive substances, Turner changes his mind after the federal government announces its intentions to teach more math and science in schools. In the end, Turner celebrates the BCMA for bringing honor to his school.

Mr. R.L. Turner Quotes in Rocket Boys

The Rocket Boys quotes below are all either spoken by Mr. R.L. Turner or refer to Mr. R.L. Turner. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:

The Cold War and the Space Race Theme Icon

). Note: all page numbers and citation info for the quotes below refer to the Dell edition of Rocket Boys published in 2000.

“As I’m sure you know by now,” Mr. Turner said in his deliberate manner, “the Russians have launched a satellite into space. There have been many calls for the United states to do something in response. The Big Creek Student Council today has responded to, and I quote, the ‘threat of Sputnik’ by passing a resolution—I have it in my hand now—that dedicates the remainder of the school year to academic excellence. I approve the council’s resolution.”

Related Characters: (speaker)

Page Number and Citation: 25

Explanation and Analysis:

Mr. R.L. Turner Character Timeline in Rocket Boys

The timeline below shows where the character Mr. R.L. Turner appears in Rocket Boys. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Dreams, Ambition, and Acceptance Theme Icon

Homer’s first class is biology. Over the intercom, the school principal, R.L. Turner talks about Sputnik, and suggests that the students concentrate on their studies in order to... (full context)

As Quentin and Homer talk, Miss Riley, a teacher, and Mr. Turner , the principal notice them. When Quentin tells Mr. Turner about the BCMA, Turner tries... (full context)

Hard Work, Scarcity, Science, and Innovation Theme Icon

As they walk away from Mr. Turner and Miss Riley, Homer and Quentin argue about the science fair. Homer is reluctant to... (full context)

...and sexually adventurous—two qualities that endear her to the boys at school, but not to Mr. Turner . She’s always liked Homer, for reasons that have never been clear to him. As... (full context)

...meaning that he’ll probably spend the rest of his life working in a coal mine. Mr. Turner overhears him, and agrees, saying that there’s nothing fair about what has happened. Homer sees... (full context)

A week after Mr. Turner announcement, Homer goes to the lumber shop at the mine. At the mine, he finds... (full context)

Aided by Miss Riley, the BCMA goes to talk to Mr. Turner about organizing a calculus class. Miss Riley is a forceful advocate for the boys, explaining... (full context)

The next day, Homer and Quentin are called to Mr. Turner ’s office. There, they’re shocked to find Miss Riley and Mr. Turner standing with two... (full context)

...protests that the boys can’t have caused the forest fire—their launchpad is too far away. Mr. Turner ’s wife then bursts in, carrying a map of the surrounding area. Homer notices that... (full context)

After Quentin finishes explaining the origins of the metal flare, there is an awkward silence. Mr. Turner clears his throat and asks the state troopers, along with Homer and Quentin, to leave.... (full context)

...worst of the six applicants, he’ll be unable to take the class. Homer learns from Mr. Turner that Dorothy Plunk took his place. While Homer is crushed by this news, he’s not... (full context)

...the source of which he doesn’t know. Miss Riley shows Homer’s drawings and equations to Mr. Turner , explaining that Homer and the BCMA should represent Big Creek in the county science... (full context)

Homer and Miss Riley leave Mr. Turner ’s office, and Miss Riley tells Homer that she’ll enter him in the upcoming science... (full context)

Homer returns to school, where he tells Mr. Turner about his success—Turner grins and congratulates Homer. Homer also tells Miss Riley, who’s extremely proud... (full context)

A few days after the BCMA’s victory, Mr. Turner summons the BCMA onstage during a school-wide assembly. Turner and Miss Riley congratulate the BCMA... (full context)

Homer travels to Indianapolis by bus. Many Coalwoodians show up to see Homer off: Basil, Mr. Turner , Melba June, Mr. Dubonnet, Homer Sr., Elsie, Mr. Caton, Mr. Ferro, and the entire... (full context)

...BCMA members are in the top ten, except for Roy Lee and O’Dell. At graduation, Mr. Turner personally congratulates Homer for bringing honor to his school, and places Homer’s science fair medal... (full context)

...come from across the county for the event. Homer also notices Miss Riley, Jake, and Mr. Turner . (full context)