In the story “One Ordinary Day, with Peanuts”, author Shirley Jackson makes Mr. Johnson seem like any ordinary man, but then we learn that he is somewhat exceptional. Is there more to it than we know? Is it too much to imagine that someone like Mr. Johnson really exists, but can we really believe that he is for real? Even in the era the story is being told in, can one person really do that many nice “acts of kindness”? The story starts out like any ordinary day for Mr. Johnson. It appears he is already for a great start to his day. He is in a good mood, is dressed to impress with his vivid tie and his new resoled shoes. Then there’s the stop to buy a carnation for his lapel. But where is he going? Is he off to work? Shirley Jackson
