Literary Analysis: Cronin, Twain, and Hemingway
The Scholarship by A. J. Cronin
The Scholarship is a poignant excerpt from the novel “Green Years” by A. J. Cronin.
Main Characters:
- Robbie (Robert Shannon): A clever boy who dreams of becoming a medical biologist.
- Gavin: Robert’s best friend, an honest and diligent student.
The central theme of the text is that true friendship is tested when two friends desire the same significant goal.
The story follows two best friends, Robert Shannon and Gavin, who suddenly become rivals. Robert can only continue his studies if he secures the Marshall scholarship, and he initially believes Gavin does not need it. During the Easter holidays, they go fishing together, walking through a quiet village to a lake early in the morning to enjoy the peaceful day.
They wait until evening to start fishing. Once it becomes dark, Gavin reveals the truth: he is also competing for the scholarship because his father’s business is struggling, and he wants to help. Robert is shocked and confused, knowing how talented Gavin is. Although they speak calmly, both understand that only one of them can win. Robert admits his dream of becoming a medical biologist. Gavin believes the competition will not affect their friendship, yet Robert feels uneasy, knowing that one of them must be defeated in the end.
A Dog and Three Dollars by Mark Twain
The main characters in this story are the narrator and General Miles. The narrator believes that a man must always be honest and never take money he has not earned. In his youth, he was a poor writer living with a friend in similar circumstances. Years later, he meets General Miles, a famous military man, and recalls an unusual event that happened when they first met in Washington.
The conflict begins when the narrator and his friend urgently need three dollars. While at a large hotel, the narrator plays with a small dog. General Miles enters and asks if the dog belongs to him. Before the narrator can explain, the General offers to buy it. The narrator asks for exactly three dollars, which the General pays. Soon, the real owner appears, looking for the lost dog. The narrator agrees to help find it for three dollars, then retrieves the dog from the General.
Ultimately, the narrator returns the three dollars to General Miles, explaining he never claimed ownership. Though the General is angry, he returns the dog. The narrator then returns the dog to its owner and receives three dollars as a reward. He is happy because he feels he has honestly earned the money. This humorous story emphasizes the cleverness of the narrator and the importance of honesty.
A Day’s Wait by Ernest Hemingway
The main characters are Schatz, a nine-year-old boy, and his father (the narrator). Schatz falls ill with influenza and a high fever. He is quiet, serious, and brave, refusing to complain about his condition. His father is caring and attentive, calling a doctor, giving medicine, and staying by his side to read to him.
The core problem of the story is a misunderstanding. The doctor notes Schatz’s temperature is 102 degrees. Having attended school in France, Schatz remembers being told that no one can survive a temperature of 44 degrees. He is unaware that the doctor is using a different thermometer scale. Because of this mistake, Schatz believes he is going to die. He spends the whole day waiting for death, even isolating himself to protect others from his illness. Though frightened, he stays calm and keeps his fears to himself.
Finally, the father realizes the cause of Schatz’s worry. He explains the difference between the two temperature scales, comparing them to miles and kilometers. Relieved, Schatz finally relaxes. The next day, the emotional toll of his ordeal becomes apparent as he cries easily over small things. This touching story highlights how a simple misunderstanding can cause profound fear and showcases the deep bond between father and son.