The *Flower Garden*

The Flower Garden by Shirley Jackson is a story about a mother and her son who move  to a small town. The story is about how racism effects the family’s ability to fit in the community. The two main characters were Mrs. MacLane and Mrs. Winning. They were friends until Mrs. MacLane hired an African American to work in her garden. 

The literary element I chose to explore was person against society. When Mrs. MacLane first comes to town she said, “I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy.” She is very welcomed by her new friends and pleased about how nice everyone is to each other.  Things change for Mrs. MacLane when she hired Mr. Jones, an african american man to work in her garden. She then saw the racism of her small town. By going against those around her she led herself to be alienated by her neighbors. Mrs. MacLane held a belief that was contrary to those that lived around her.  After she was shunned for hiring a black man, Mrs. MacLane said, “ And now no one ever does more than speak to us... and no one ever smiles, or anything.” 

In the end of the story Mrs. MacLane questions herself, whether she should give up.  She has a loss of hope and feelings of despair. 

My Query

       

                                                                     Query

By: Tyler

The word Halloween to children in the United States is just another word for lots and lots of candy. What some kids don’t realize is that many children now think of Halloween as a giving holiday not as a receiving holiday.

UNICEF counts on Halloween because it is one of its major fundraisers. As many people in our school know, Trick or Treat for UNICEF is very easy to be a part of. All you have to do is ask for a donation on Halloween night to all the houses you go to trick or treat. Tonight when you go door to door please get a donation for UNICEF.

For example most people don’t drink their entire water bottle or glass of water. The water they don’t drink is usually poured down the drain.  Many children and even some adults hate going to the doctor. Many children that UNICEF help would be looking forward to going to the doctors. Tonight please think about all the children that wish they had the things you take for granted. Here is a video relating to my Query about UNICEF and their mission.

Link: http://www.unicefusa.org/news/video/

UNICEF gives many children around the world all the basic and SIMPLE things they need to survive. One day UNICEF will reach their goal of zero.

This week’s query is: How can you help others in need?