Decision Reversed by Ring Lardner
The narrative unfolds through the perspective of a father reflecting on the chaos and frustrations of holiday shopping. Initially, he expresses disdain for the crowded environments and the rude behavior of fellow shoppers, feeling overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of the season. His irritation is palpable as he navigates through the throngs of people, grappling with the inconveniences that come with the festive rush. However, this sentiment shifts dramatically when he witnesses the joy and excitement on his child's face upon receiving gifts. The transformation in his attitude is profound; he recognizes the futility of his earlier complaints. The father's realization highlights the contrast between the stress of adult responsibilities and the pure, unfiltered joy of childhood. This moment of clarity leads him to reflect on the importance of embracing the spirit of the season, despite its challenges. The work captures the essence of parental love and the sacrifices made for the happiness of children. It emphasizes the idea that the true value of the holidays lies not in the material aspects but in the shared experiences and the joy they bring to loved ones. The father's journey from frustration to appreciation serves as a reminder to cherish the moments that matter, ultimately reversing his earlier decision to view the holiday season as a burden.
By Ring Lardner · First published 1931 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Humor · 156 words
First lines
When I mixed with the shoppers and fought in vain / To get what I sought, in the Christmas rush; / When they stood on my toes in the crowded train, / Or dented my ribs in the sidewalk crush, / I dropped my manners and snarled and swore, / And thought: "It's a bothersome, beastly bore!"
But when, at the Christmas dawn, they brought / My kid to the room where his things were piled, / And when, from my vantage point, I caught / The look on his face, I murmured: "Child, / Your dad was a fool when he snarled and swore, / And called it a bothersome, beastly bore. "
What this Textopian page supports
Decision Reversed is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ring Lardner, dated 1931 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Ring Lardner
- Date: 1931 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Humor, Family, Seasonal
- Length: 156 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Decision Reversed by Ring Lardner
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Similar titles
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- The Eternal Greeting by Ring Lardner
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Literary Fiction — The themes explore personal reflection and emotional depth, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Humor — The tone includes elements of humor, particularly in the depiction of holiday frustrations.
- Family — The narrative centers around familial relationships and the joy of parenthood.
Tags
Christmas · parenting · family · emotions · shopping · crowds · frustration · joy · childhood · reflections · humor · life lessons