The Wonders of Grandchildren

Our oldest granddaughter, Nora, shared with me her composition that she submitted to her teacher. The experience of reading such a well composed paper, meticulous in its literary structure, was such a wonderful experience. 

Writing has always been a most meaningful activity. The joy of communicating one’s internal experience is virtually a most spiritual act. Only our words, whether spoken or written, can extend beyond our consciousness. To observe Nora’s ability makes me so happy. I would have hated to miss it. May she progress in her talents.

“In IF by Rudyard Kipling, I believe the line “If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster and treat these two imposters just the same,” would be advice that Atticus would give to Jem. When Atticus chooses to take the Tom Robinson case, he is given lots of backlash for his possibly very bad decision. Many people believe that it was unwise to take the case because he could bring lots of danger to his family. After the trial, Atticus gets a harsh greeting from Bob Ewell, who is furious. Ewell walks up to him and spits in his face, and proceeds to say nasty words and hurtful comments. Atticus is unbothered by his rudeness, and he brushes it off while Jem is worried for the safety of his father and is angry. Atticus tells him calmly, “ Jem, see if you had can stand in Bob Ewell’s shoes a minute. I destroyed his last shred of credibility at that trial, if he had any to begin with. The man had to have some kind of comeback, his kind always does. So if spitting in my face and threatening me saved Mayella Ewell one extra beating, that’s something I’d gladly take.” Atticus does not let Bob Ewell’s ignorance and unkindness affect him, and advises him to take the good with the bad. At the trial, Jem is outraged over something Miss Gates has said, “time somebody taught ‘em a lesson, they thought they were gettin’ way above themselves, an’ the next thing they think they can do is marry us.” Miss Gates’ hypocritical ness and racist phrases make Jem boil with anger. He sprouts off his bed and grabs Scout, yelling at her to never bring up the trial to him ever again. Although he is not irritated by Scout directly, he takes out his stress and anger on her. Even though Scout confides in Atticus and Atticus gives her advice, I believe if he were to advise Jem, he would give him the advise from IF. Jem has a tough time processing everything that has happened all so quickly, and the advice. If you can meet Triumph and Disaster. And treat those two imposters just the same, would help Jem to adopt a new mindset. A mindset where he can accept the change around him and take the good with the bad.”