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