English 12 Regular: Choose one of the following novels to read

Characterization:

This quotation is an example of indirect characterization because the author describes how Walls’ dad talks, and it also explains what other people think about him. This characterization of Walls’ father helps the reader learn about his personality and mannerisms; it also reveals how Walls viewed her father as a young child.

On Christmas Day, Rex takes Jeannette out to the desert and gives her a present. He tells her she can have a star, and the one she selects is Venus, which is a planet, to which Rex states: “What the hell. … It’s Christmas. You can have a planet if you want” (45).

Rex explains to Jeannette that after all the other children have forgotten about their toys, his children will have their stars and planets, which shine brightly in the heavens. This is so true. On Christmas Day, children will get toys, say they love them, play with them for an hour, and then lose interest. What Rex gave his children will last a lifetime and make them feel loved and special. Truly, that is the best gift he could have given them. This is my favorite part of the book, because it really shows Rex’s love, compassion, and sweetness. This passage sends the message that you don’t have to be rich in order to be happy.

Symbol: A symbol is an object, person, or idea that represents something beyond itself. The stars and planets in this novel act as symbols because they represent enduring love. The way characters value the stars and planets indicates how they also value enduring love.