On Monday November 12th, 2012 I
attended a reading by Keenan Randal. He read one of his new short stories
called “When We All Get To Heaven”. This short story will also relate to
“Shane” by Jack Schaefer. Both of these reading
relate to each other by having a common theme of coming of age, appreciation
and leadership.
In “Shane” by Jack
Schaefer coming of age is one of the major themes that portrays throughout the
novel. Bob looks up to both his father and Shane as role models. Once he sees
Shane he realizes that that’s the man he wants to become when he is older. Shane’s
loyalty and strength inspires Bob to want to be like him. Shane has one of the
greatest inner strengths I know. He was able to walk away from fighting Chris,
Fletcher’s worker. I believe that it takes more strength and control to walk
away from a fight rather then actually fighting. This is one of many great
examples Shane shows Bob what it takes to be a better man. Bob is also lucky to
have his dad serve as an example as well. Joe Starrett is a leader for his
town. He stands up to Fletcher when no one else wants to. He is also a very
secure person with himself and manhood. He stays true to himself and is the man
of the town. He is a perfect example of an ideal father. With both of these men
is Bob’s life; he will grow up to be just like them in his own way.
The reading by Keenan Randall
portrayed a theme of appreciation. In his short story “When we all get to
Heaven” Ed Phelps, who is 58 years old, is visiting New York City for a Baptist
Convention. He owns a beauty parlor with his wife Iseleen and has two daughters
and one son with her. Throughout his visit in the city, Ed describes NY as such
a beautiful place. He notices all of the little things when he is observing the
people in the city. He comes to realize that NYC has no shame. People do things
for themselves and in a hurry, not worrying about others around them. Ed also
notices on his walk a huge crowd surrounding a limo. He decides to go over and
see what all the fuss was about. In the limo was a famous person named Billy.
Ed was then pushed with Billy’s people and was dragged into a room with them
including Billy. Ed learned that Billy was a singer who is very up beat. He
doesn’t care what anyone else says and he does what he wants to do. Billy then
wants Ed to play in his show even though he didn’t know how. Ed ends up playing
and singing a song with him. This made Ed appreciate his life greatly. Instead
of going to the after party Ed chose to go back to his wife. Ed reminded me of
Joe Starret in “Shane” because he is 58 years old, healthy and not retiring
anytime soon. Ed is a family man and after his adventure in NYC he seems to
appreciate the little things in life. The big things in life like spending a
day with a celebrity and playing in concert with him doesn’t seem as important
as spending time with his wife just in the hotel. He is also a very hard worker
like Joe. He has put two daughters through college and his son went into the Air
Force. He is a proud dad and takes pride in his work.
“When
We All Get To Heaven” by Keenan Randal and “Shane” by Jack
Schaefer made me realize a lot about life. It showed me to appreciate the
little things in life and my family a lot more. It also made me think of the
person who I want to become and that is my mom. She is such a loving and kind
person. My mom also has the most inner strength I know. Through my dads illness
she was so strong for everyone else. She wanted us to know that everything will
be okay and she was what kept our family together through such a hard time. I just
wish I would be able to grow up to be like her and take care of my own family
like she does.
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