A Christmas Story by Walter Dean Myers
In literature, the theme is a big idea, moral or message about life, living or human nature. This is how readers can appreciate a particular literary piece. With this, this paper analysis will give a highlight to Walter Dean Myers’ work entitled “A Christmas Story” wherein it revealed something about the human nature. This particular piece is best suited in post-structuralism approach in which it rejects the idea of a literary text having a single purpose, a single meaning or one singular existence. Instead, every individual reader creates a new and individual purpose, meaning and existence for a given piece. A Christmas Story by Walter Dean Myers was about an old woman and the patrolman’s family. Becca (2013) stated that "our feeling come second to that of people you care about." The story has indeed moved the heart of every reader, at some point.
Michael O'Brien, the main character is a police officer who was on foot patrol when he met Mother Fletcher. He worked in Harlem, but lives in suburban Staten Island with his daughter named: Maeghan and his wife: Kathy. One time, he was called by a child to help Mother Fletcher. The old woman was sick so he called her an ambulance. After one week, he received a sweater under his shield number from Mother Fletcher as a token of gratitude. Also, she made another for Kathy. The police officer and his family were invited by Mother Fletcher over for Christmas dinner which Michael did not want to go to because of the area it was in. However, in the end, Michael's wife, Kathy, and daughter, Meaghan, convinced him to accept the invitation and they all went and had a wonderful time with Mother Fletcher. The story was a little bit boring but there was a point that a reader should be happy with: it was where Michael decided to accept the Christmas dinner invitation by Mother Fletcher. In fact, it was a sweet story with a well-developed plot where readers can find connection from some characters in the story. Becca (2013) added that, what she did not like about the story was that some words were overused and she said that the story is recommended to someone who can relate to it or else, it may become somewhat boring for them. Furthermore, the situation and characters of the story were believable because it showed the aspect of realistic story. In fact, the story depicted the true essence of Christmas, showing love and care to one another. Michael had to give up his stance to keep his family safe that is why, even if he does not want to go to Mother Fletcher’s house, he rather chose to go with his wife and daughter as a sign also of giving thanks to Mother Fletcher about the thing that they have received. Obviously, the police officer and his family cannot deny the fact that Mother Fletcher had a good heart and she shared her blessings to someone especially those people who helped her in times of needs. “Christmas is about sharing from our hearts what we have – with those who have less in life – not only during this season but for the reason that we can be conduits of blessings to them all throughout the year,” (Bandiola,n.d.). Every person has own priorities, has own wants and needs. Some people may choose material things, while others may prefer intangible ones such as love, peace, prosperity and good health among others. No matter what these people wish for Christmas holiday season, what matters most is that the desires of their hearts are granted as long as nobody is hurt. The same is true in the story, the real and deeper meaning of Christmas is not found under the Christmas tree but where there is sharing of hope, peace, joy, and love to all. Kathy and Maeghan prefer to be with Mother Fletcher in Christmas dinner because they cared that the old woman would celebrate Christmas all by herself. That is why, they forced Michael to rather celebrate Christmas dinner with Mother Fletcher. Indeed, the family had a wonderful time in old woman’s house. As what Harmon (2019) have said, “Christmas Eve is always a time of family, singing carols, hanging stockings, and remembering past years' Christmases. Cooking begins for Christmas Day, with children helping to make cookies and candies—that evening or the next day, they get to offer everyone some of their own work.” In just a simple effort wherein the family went to Mother Fletcher’s house made the old woman realized that she had a meaningful Christmas to celebrate with. Nothing feels better when she knew that she was not alone celebrating the Christmas because Michael, Kathy and Maeghan showed an effort to make feel to her the deep meaning of Christmas. “We must also spare time to reflect on the essence of the period which is the love of God for humanity. This unquantifiable love is summed up in the popular bible verse John 3: 16, for God so loved the world that he gave us his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him will not perish but have eternal life. When we ponder on God’s love for us, we too are encouraged to share love with others, to embrace peace and be our brother’s keeper. When we are imbued with this love of God, we will be always willing to give a helping hand to those in need, to give succor and comfort to the vulnerable ones among others," (Osu, 2012). The spirit behind Christmas is indeed the gift of giving and sharing, both tangible and intangible things.
A Christmas Story signifies that people in this world are not selfish in terms of sharing happiness with one another. Others rather choose to give without expecting any in return most especially during Christmas season. In fact, it is said to be the season to spread love, mercy and goodwill. Lastly, Walter Dean Myers’ literary piece showed that "Christmas is the day that holds all time together,” (Smith, 2020).
References:
Becca. (2013). A Christmas Story. Retrieved from: https://prezi.com/izzg4e656pbe/a-christmas-story/
Harmon. (2019). True meaning of Christmas: family traditions, giving, and children. Retrieved from: https://holidappy.com/holidays/true-meaning-of-christmas-family-traditions-giving-and-children
Osu. (2012). The true essence of Christmas. Retrieved from: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/12/the-true-essence-of-christmas/
Smith. (2020). 75 best Christmas quotes to help you enjoy every minute of the holiday. Retrieved from: https://www.countryliving.com/life/g2819/christmas-quotes/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CChristmas%2C%20my%20child%2C%20is,we%20give%2C%20it's%20Christmas.%E2%80%9D&text=%22Blessed%20is%20the%20season%20which,in%20a%20conspiracy%20of%20love.%22&text=%22Christmas%20is%20a%20day%20of,circle%20of%20family%20and%20friends.%22
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