Making+Strong+Response+Posts

=For each chapter post, be sure to do the following if you want full credit:=

=== 3. Develop thoroughly, moving beyond the obvious and factual into the realm of inference. Get to the "how" and "why." Or make connections to other places in the text or other examples. Feel free (if relevant) to connect to today or your own life. ===

=== In the narrative, we see that J. R. is very excited about his father taking him to the ball game through most of the story. Even though we, the readers, know from the very beginning that his father is likely to disappoint him, J. R. -- being so young and idealistic -- thinks his dad is going to finally prove himself worthy and show J. R. that he cares for him. However, as the evening wears on, we notice J. R. losing his energy. At first, he sits on the porch counting cars and making deals with himself about how many more cars will pass before dad comes, even refusing to eat. However, when it starts to get dark and it's clear the game is nearly over, J. R. does not fight when his grandfather tells him to come inside and go to bed. He takes off his cap -- a sign he's given up. He eats a piece of chicken and gets into bed, showing surrender. And then on page 22, near the end, he turns off the light, which we might see as a symbol of his lost hope. And then, in typical "kid" fashion, he says he is "glad he didn't come," to cover up his own disappointment. (Roxanne G.) ===

=== You've nicely detailed the steps J. R. goes through as he comes to accept that his father is not coming -- from the porch to the kitchen to his bedroom. I agree that these are the key details that show his disappointment. I like your idea about the light being a symbol -- I hadn't thought of that. It seems like the author is detailing the ways kids do avoid accepting bad news, especially when it's something they really wanted and now won't get, like a special trip somewhere or a special gift on a birthday. It reminded me of the time when I was little and my grandparents ended up not being able to come to our house for Christmas because my grandma was sick. My mom was really worried about her, too, so the whole mood in the house that year wasn't very cheerful. (Manuel T.) ===