Split Cherry Tree Analysis

In the “Split Cherry Tree,” Mr. Sexton does not agree with his son’s school, but after his day with Professor Herbert he understands the effects of going to school. Originally wanting to attend the school just to get someone in trouble, Luster goes with his son Dave not knowing he will actually learn about school, and the effects of it. He discovers things he never learned, in ways he did not know of. For example learning about a microscope and how to use it he could then learn about germs. How Luster learned in his school years school has drastically changed, compared to how children currently learn. Jesse Stuart wrote that Mr. Sexton does not understand why they go on field trips. "What was you doin' clear out in Eif Crabtree's place?" says …show more content…
"All right, Luster, you've heard of germs, haven't you?" (8). During their conversation on germs, Luster sees what Professor Herbert is trying to explain to him. They begin to talk more enjoyably, and Professor Herbert gets Mr. Sexton to stay at school for the day, they have a nice conversation and Mr. Sexton begins to listen and see the effects of school and teachers and the help they give to students, including Dave. Luster also learns while at the school, the different ways students learn. When he went to school they did not have the technology Dave now has. In the “Split Cherry Tree,” Luster does not understand how they learn things in school because he has never seen or heard of these things, “All right, Luster, you've heard of germs, haven't …show more content…
Sexton goes to Dave’s school he learns many things about school, and the effects of school, but he also learns about germs. Luster does not believe in germs and that they live on us, because he never learned about them. Luster then feels surprised when he learns that they live on his body. Jesse Stuart writes, "What," says Pa, "you mean to tell me I've got germs on my teeth! (8). Once he learns this he becomes very interested and wants to see them. So, he decides to stay and see if germs really live on him. “I'll shore stay with you," says Pa. " I want to see th' germs off'n my teeth. I jist want to see a germ. I've never seen one in my life. 'Seein' is believin',' Pap allus told me." (9). Once he sees a germ he seems so intrigued that he even goes home to share this with his wife, and the benefits of school. Mr. Sexton finally understands that just because you have not seen it does not mean it could not have happened, that means germs live on us and all around us, and that school will benefit you now, and for the rest of your