A CHRISTMAS STORY
BY: WALTER DEAN MYERS
POST STRUCTURALISM APPROACH
The continuous progress of the world has been slowly making people greedy. In this generation, it’s becoming quite hard to see kindness and feel empathy. Even a simple “thank you” for a piece of candy and keeping company for someone who feels sad became something that is so hard for people to give. It’s quite upsetting how the act of compassion has become a luxury humanity can barely afford. It’s subtle but it’s true. This is a notion that should make people realize the need to regain that spirit of kindness we are slowly losing. Walter Dean Myers, tried to showcase this in his piece called, “A Christmas Story.”
“A Christmas Story”, is the 8th chapter of Walter Dean Myers’ 145th Street short stories published in 2001. It’s a story on an old lady named Mother Fletcher who is living alone in her tiny apartment. It’s rumored that she is already in her 90’s which made her a legend of 145th street. One day, she fell ill and asked a girl to find someone and ask for help. The girl found a patrol officer named Michael O’Brien and he called for an ambulance to help Mother Fletcher. As a way of thanking the officer, she sent him a knitted cardigan. Basically, this story tackles something that society has been slowly losing; kindness. According to Nguyen (2015), the story illustrate how different society could get along by giving a real love and care about each other. Definitely, this notion of Nguyen is true. Reading the literary piece can make the readers realize that even a simple kindness to people can do a big difference. Although, it’s O’Brien’s duty to help those who are in need, it’s gladdening to notice how a literary piece can encourage people to do even one simple good every day. An article entitled “The Importance of Kindness” revealed that kindness is an interpersonal skill and that current research supports this idea. Science has now shown that devoting resources to others, rather than having more and more for yourself, brings about lasting well-being. Being kind can strengthen your relationships and sense of satisfaction in life. On another note, the act of Mother Fletcher reminds readers of the importance of expressing gratitude. Despite her old age, she never forgot to thank the officer for saving her. She even made an effort to send something to Mr. O’Brien as a way of saying thank you which is actually a vital point in the story. It’s one thing that made the piece sentimental as well as heart-catching. It somehow attempts to make its audience remember the importance of letting people know that their efforts and acts of kindness are being valued. More so, it’s amazing how a simple act of kindness can build relationships and foster connection to people coming from different societies. In the story, the day Officer O’Brien helped Mother Fletcher became the catalyst of fostering friendship between them. Mother Fletcher even invited him and his family for a dinner on Christmas Eve. Although, Officer O’Brien and his wife had an argument about it, it’s a beautiful point to notice in the story. It’s something that exemplifies the thought of being selfless. Officer O’Brien did not want to go, his wife Kathy insisted. She and Maeghan even prepared a present for Mother Fletcher. So, he was left with no choice but to come with them. Even with the hesitation, it’s something that amplifies the thought that our feelings come second to that of the people we care about. This is called selflessness. According to Feldman, A. (2015), selflessness is when your care for something is so strong that you would do anything for it. It’s when you’re so impressed and in awe of a person, that when in his presence, your own needs don’t feel so significant anymore. It’s when something is so special and dear to you that your very existence becomes secondary. Further, being selfless is a mindset. On a simple level, it’s about putting someone else before you. It’s about doing somebody a favor even when it hurts you a little. It’s about realizing that life isn’t just about your own needs and preferences, but rather looking out for another’s as well (Feldman,2015). The story tackled something very important that the coming generation must emulate. It’s a lesson parents should teach their kids everyday. Furthermore, what Mr. O’Brien did is a simple act of kindness to his wife and child. The author really did a great job in emphasizing things that the world should notice. The article “The Importance of Kindness”, also stated that kindness has been found by researchers to be the most important predictor of satisfaction and stability in a marriage. Hence, it’s one way to foster a kind of relationship that compromises. It somehow tries to tell people how vital it is to build a home with peace rather than building one that makes their children unsafe in their own home.
Walter Dean Myers’ literary piece exemplified the things that are crucial in today’s society. For several years, the world is so focused on improving the economy and innovating technology regardless of the things being compromised, including making people feel the warmth of each other. Such story opened doors for readers to realize that the entire humanity needs to focus on rebuilding what’s lost. Progression made a tremendous impact in our society. It’s just sad that part of it has made people greedy and hungry. The way it builds success also paved way in creating a gap among people. This literary piece is so beautiful in a sense that it addresses points people barely notice. It reminds every person who’s going to read it of the importance of altruism above all. It’s helping build a hope that one day humanity’s grace will be back to the way it is. Walter Dean Myers reminds everyone that may every kind thing you do be out of love not for love.
References
Low, W. (n.d.). Mother Fletcher’s Gift. Retrieved from https://www.meredithmiddle.org/ourpages/auto/2014/10/16/66178654/Mother%2 0Fletcher.pdf
Nguyen, Q. (2015). Summary of a Short Story. Retrieved from https://www.coursehero.com/file/13846657/Short-Story-Summary/
Hall, K. (2017). The Importance of Kindness. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/pieces-mind/201712/the-importance- kindness
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