Symbolism In Gryphon Charles Baxor

Some people will argue that a teacher should simply be a person who transfers important information and facts to their students, while others say that a teacher should promote creativity and happiness in their classroom. Studies have shown that students believe that their teachers need to relax, destress, and have a sense of humor in order to maintain a productive classroom. They say that having a boring teacher who teaches boring lessons, makes them feel uncomfortable in school. So, by creating an atmosphere of positivity and freedom to make mistakes, students become more likely to succeed in their studies. However, the concept of a teacher not only acting in an authoritative position, but a friendly one as well, can be controversial in some …show more content…
Through the use of symbolism in his short story, “Gryphon,” Charles Baxter reveals that when the mundane routine of a community becomes disrupted by unorthodox beliefs and opinions, people will feel both fascinated and intimidated by the …show more content…
For Five Oaks, a rural town in Michigan, Tommy was the individual who loved the change. In his small community, everyday followed the same schedule, nothing exciting ever happened. Until, Miss Ferenczi arrived to substitute for Tommy’s class. She introduced the children to the idea of dream and wonder in the world. Before, they had been taught to memorize facts, but Miss Ferenczi wanted their imaginations to be free. By the end of the story, Tommy had grown attached to his substitute teacher and was angered when she got fired. Still, Tommy looked to the future with newfound hope for the mystery outside of the Five Oaks. Instilling hope and wonder in the minds of students as opposed to drilling facts, has been proven to remain the more successful form of teaching. Children prefer to learn, and do a better job of absorbing the material, when the teacher creates a classroom setting without anxiety or harsh rules. Obviously, boredom cannot be completely prevented, and rules have to be enforced. Nevertheless, a teacher should find a way to incorporate creativity in their lessons to keep the kids engaged. In conclusion, although Miss Ferenczi may have been a bit too eccentric, she provided a wonderful change to the community by bringing out