The boy as the narrator (teller of the story) does not take the side of his mother or his father. He just reports what they say and do. a) Do you think the story as a whole supports the mother's view or the father's view? Give reasons to support your answer. b) How would the story have been different if it had been told by an adult, such as the father or mother? c) Why do you think the author chooses a twelve-year-old boy to tell the story?

Certainly! Let's delve into each of your questions to explore the narrative dynamics and authorial choices in the story. --- ### a) **Do you think the story as a whole supports the mother's view or the father's view? Give reasons to support your answer.** **Analysis:** Even though the boy narrator maintains a neutral stance, the story's structure, events, and underlying themes can subtly favor one perspective over the other. Here's how: 1. **Narrative Emphasis:** - **Frequency of Dialogue:** If the mother's viewpoints are presented more frequently or with greater emotional depth, readers may unconsciously gravitate towards her perspective. - **Descriptive Language:** The language used to describe each parent's actions and emotions can influence readers' sympathies. For instance, warm, empathetic descriptions of the mother versus more stern, detached depictions of the father might sway the narrative subtly. 2. **Resolution of Conflict:** - **Outcome:** If the story resolves conflicts in a manner that aligns with the mother's desires or values, it can be interpreted as a support for her viewpoint. Conversely, if the father's decisions prevail, it may suggest support for his stance. - **Character Development:** Growth or changes in the parents' characters that align with one viewpoint can indicate the author's leanings. 3. **Underlying Themes:** - **Moral or Ethical Messages:** The story might embed themes that resonate more with one parent's philosophy. For example, themes of compassion and understanding might align with the mother's view, while themes of discipline and responsibility might mirror the father's perspective. **Conclusion:** While the narrator remains unbiased, the cumulative effect of these elements can lead the story to subtly endorse either the mother's or the father's viewpoint. Analyzing specific interactions and resolutions within the narrative will provide clearer insight into which perspective is ultimately supported. --- ### b) **How would the story have been different if it had been told by an adult, such as the father or mother?** **Implications of an Adult Narrator:** 1. **Perspective and Bias:** - **Subjectivity:** Adults often have more defined viewpoints and biases based on their life experiences. An adult narrator might openly favor their own perspective, making the narrative less neutral. - **Emotional Complexity:** Adults can convey deeper emotional nuances and motivations, providing a more comprehensive understanding of their actions and beliefs. 2. **Language and Expression:** - **Vocabulary and Syntax:** An adult's language would likely be more sophisticated, potentially making the story more complex and less accessible to younger audiences. - **Internal Monologue:** Adults might share more internal thoughts and rationalizations, offering insight into their decision-making processes. 3. **Story Focus:** - **Themes:** The narrative might shift to address more mature themes pertinent to adulthood, such as career challenges, marital issues, or existential dilemmas. - **Conflict Resolution:** Adults may approach conflicts with different strategies, possibly emphasizing compromise, authority, or rational problem-solving. 4. **Narrative Scope:** - **Broader Viewpoints:** An adult might incorporate a wider range of societal or cultural observations, providing a more expansive backdrop to the personal story. **Example Scenario:** If the father were the narrator, the story might delve into his struggles balancing work and family, offering justifications for his actions that might seem stern to the boy. Conversely, if the mother narrated, the story could highlight her emotional connections and possibly her sacrifices, providing a different lens through which to view family dynamics. --- ### c) **Why do you think the author chooses a twelve-year-old boy to tell the story?** **Advantages of a Twelve-Year-Old Narrator:** 1. **Innocent Perspective:** - **Unbiased Viewpoint:** A child often sees situations more clearly without the biases and prejudices that adults might hold, allowing for a fresh and honest portrayal of events. - **Simplicity:** Complex adult issues are filtered through the simplicity of a child's understanding, making the story relatable and accessible, especially to younger readers. 2. **Narrative Reliability:** - **Trustworthiness:** Children are often perceived as more truthful and sincere, enhancing the reliability of the narration despite the limited perspective. - **Selective Awareness:** A child narrator may omit or simplify certain details, intentionally or unintentionally shaping the story's focus in unique ways. 3. **Emotional Resonance:** - **Connection with Young Readers:** A twelve-year-old protagonist can resonate with preteens and teenagers, providing them with a character they can identify with. - **Growth and Development:** The narrator's journey can mirror the reader's own growth, offering lessons and insights that are meaningful during adolescence. 4. **Conflict Dynamics:** - **Family Relationships:** A child's viewpoint can highlight the dynamics between parents more poignantly, showcasing misunderstandings, love, and conflict from a fresh angle. - **Coming-of-Age Themes:** The story can naturally incorporate themes of identity, independence, and self-discovery as the boy navigates his family's differing viewpoints. 5. **Storytelling Style:** - **Imaginative Elements:** Children often have vivid imaginations, which can add creative and whimsical elements to the narrative, enriching the story's texture. **Authorial Intent:** By choosing a twelve-year-old boy as the narrator, the author can explore complex family dynamics and conflicting viewpoints in a manner that is both engaging and heartfelt. This choice allows readers to experience the story through the purity and honesty of a child's eyes, providing a unique and compelling narrative voice. --- **In Summary:** The use of a neutral twelve-year-old narrator provides a balanced lens through which the story's events and parental viewpoints are explored. While the boy does not overtly support either parent, the narrative's subtle cues may lean towards one perspective. Had an adult narrated the story, the dynamics and depth of the narrative would shift significantly, likely introducing more bias and complexity. The author's decision to employ a child narrator enhances the story's relatability, emotional depth, and thematic resonance, making the exploration of differing parental views both impactful and accessible.