Why Didn't Elwood Know How Many Licks He Got?
Elwood did not know how many licks he received because he passed out before the punishment was completed. This loss of consciousness prevented him from counting or being aware of the total number administered.
The Ordeal and Loss of Consciousness
During the severe physical punishment, Elwood held on tightly to the top of the bed and bit into a pillow, attempting to endure the pain. However, the intensity of the "licks" was so extreme that he lost consciousness before they were finished. Consequently, when people later inquired about the exact number of licks he had received, Elwood was genuinely unable to provide an answer, as he had been unconscious for a significant portion of the ordeal.
Implications of the Experience
This incident underscores the brutal nature of the punishment Elwood underwent. The fact that he passed out highlights the immense physical and psychological toll it took on him, indicating a traumatic event rather than a mere disciplinary action. His subsequent determination, even in the face of further abuse, suggests a profound impact from such experiences.
