The innocence of children is something to nurture and foster. When that innocence is lost, it can have devastating consequences. Sometimes, it comes in the form of young love and can be easily tainted like the love affair between Polly and Mr. Doran in “The Boarding House”. Often times it is seen in the simple thrills of small things such as the two children in “Barbie-Q”. The characters in both stories are in different situations but there are relatable similarities. In each situation, there is decision to be made. That decision results in either innocence lost or innocence saved.
The excitement of something new never really goes away at any age. It is more played out in the wide eyes of a young child. In light of limited income, the two children are still happy to receive the small gift of a new Barbie outfit. Even if that new outfit comes at the cost of a new boy doll the joy is not diminished. “Because we don’t have money for a stupid-looking boy doll when we’d both rather ask for a new Barbie outfit next Christmas.” …show more content…
Young Polly was brought to the boarding house by her mother in an attempt to keep her from getting unwanted visits from her father, Mr. Mooney. She was set to do housework at the boarding house and also allowed to have “run of the young men.” (Joyce 416) Mrs. Mooney was a “shrewd judge” and kept a close eye on things. (Joyce 416) Since the young men were not staying long and only passing through, she felt that the men were not serious in their interactions with Polly. This error in judgment would make her consider sending Polly back to the typing job she pulled her from to com work at the boarding house. She watched from afar and kept her silence as she noticed that something was going on between Polly and Mr. Doran. After interviewing Polly with questions and answers both frank in nature, Mrs. Mooney knew she had to intervene and she would take the matter up with Mr. Doran at the appropriate
The excitement of something new never really goes away at any age. It is more played out in the wide eyes of a young child. In light of limited income, the two children are still happy to receive the small gift of a new Barbie outfit. Even if that new outfit comes at the cost of a new boy doll the joy is not diminished. “Because we don’t have money for a stupid-looking boy doll when we’d both rather ask for a new Barbie outfit next Christmas.” …show more content…
Young Polly was brought to the boarding house by her mother in an attempt to keep her from getting unwanted visits from her father, Mr. Mooney. She was set to do housework at the boarding house and also allowed to have “run of the young men.” (Joyce 416) Mrs. Mooney was a “shrewd judge” and kept a close eye on things. (Joyce 416) Since the young men were not staying long and only passing through, she felt that the men were not serious in their interactions with Polly. This error in judgment would make her consider sending Polly back to the typing job she pulled her from to com work at the boarding house. She watched from afar and kept her silence as she noticed that something was going on between Polly and Mr. Doran. After interviewing Polly with questions and answers both frank in nature, Mrs. Mooney knew she had to intervene and she would take the matter up with Mr. Doran at the appropriate