Many see that governments around the world distribute the right to an education to its people, which causes one to take advantage of their education and the potential it gives them. An example of this human right often exists in places such as the United States, where people view going to school and receiving an education as a normality. In “The Teacher Who Changed My Life”, by Nicholas Gage, the author demonstrates his love for learning, sparked by a teacher, a mother, and a memory. Gage flees from Greece due to the brutal treatment from Communist guerillas, such as forcing children into brainwashing re-education camps. Throughout the short story, Gage utilizes literary devices such as symbols and mood. When delving into Gage’s story, one
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When he began writing his essay for Miss Hurd, the words from his pencil read, “that the coming of spring always reminded [him] of the last time [he] said goodbye to [his] mother” (“The Teacher Who Changed My Life” (86)). Though the coming of spring displays a hopeful, fresh start to the average person, Gage only recalled the image of his mother when observing the coming of spring. Such memory disheartens the reader, because his mother only wanted a satisfactory life (and education) for her children. His mother’s lasting impression before their goodbye prompted Gage to make the most of his new life in America. This ordeal illuminates a morose mood in the reader, making one reflect on the extents many must go to to reach an improved lifestyle. Later in the story, when Gage reflects on his graduation from Boston University, he solemnly but jovially states, “ [his mother] couldn’t be there when [he] graduated… but the person who came and shared [their] joy was my former teacher, Marjorie Hurd” (“The Teacher Who Changed My Life” (88)). This image of a mentor and apprentice reuniting develops an optimistic mood inside the reader’s thoughts. Miss Hurd’s presence at his graduation presents a positive outlook and conclusion to Gage’s previously troubling life. Not only did Miss Hurd leave a lasting impression on Gage, but also a lasting impression on the reader, to inquire on how they can use education to its full
When he began writing his essay for Miss Hurd, the words from his pencil read, “that the coming of spring always reminded [him] of the last time [he] said goodbye to [his] mother” (“The Teacher Who Changed My Life” (86)). Though the coming of spring displays a hopeful, fresh start to the average person, Gage only recalled the image of his mother when observing the coming of spring. Such memory disheartens the reader, because his mother only wanted a satisfactory life (and education) for her children. His mother’s lasting impression before their goodbye prompted Gage to make the most of his new life in America. This ordeal illuminates a morose mood in the reader, making one reflect on the extents many must go to to reach an improved lifestyle. Later in the story, when Gage reflects on his graduation from Boston University, he solemnly but jovially states, “ [his mother] couldn’t be there when [he] graduated… but the person who came and shared [their] joy was my former teacher, Marjorie Hurd” (“The Teacher Who Changed My Life” (88)). This image of a mentor and apprentice reuniting develops an optimistic mood inside the reader’s thoughts. Miss Hurd’s presence at his graduation presents a positive outlook and conclusion to Gage’s previously troubling life. Not only did Miss Hurd leave a lasting impression on Gage, but also a lasting impression on the reader, to inquire on how they can use education to its full