So Young, So Gifted, So Old

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer explains that "The Rocking Horse Winner" by D.H. Lawrence, "Suicide Note" by Janice Mirikitani and "The Cuban Swimmer" by Milcha Sanchez-Scott are three different genres of fiction grappling with a similar problem. The writer further explains that, in each of the stories, a young protagonist is forced to grow old too soon, because of the stresses of the adult world. Additionally, the writer points out that, although Lawrence's short story takes place during the early 20th century, while Mirikitani's poem and Sanchez-Scott's drama are set in contemporary American contexts, all provide examples of how gifted protagonists must suffer and often give up their unique gifts, because of the misunderstandings and imposed pressures of the adults in their lives.

From the Paper:

"These protagonists may possess intellectual and physical gifts that the older generation lacks, but these gifts do not give the children the ability to weather the trials and travails of existence any better than an ordinary child or adolescent. In fact, their gifts become burdens rather than sources of comfort as a result of adult needs. For example, "The Rocking Horse Winner" by D.H. Lawrence first presents the home of a financially pressed working-class family in need of money. Money is such a constant and pervasive need that the short story memorably describes the house as virtually breathing the need for money. The use of the short story genre, in contrast to Mirikitani's poem or Sanchez-Scott's more personally focused play allows for a slightly more sympathetic portrayal of the boy's caretakers who press him to use his gift at fortune telling to make money for the family by betting on horses. The story opens with a portrayal of the home, not the child, to balance the eventually cruel treatment of the child. Regardless, by the end of the story, when the reader witnesses the strain that the pressures of this gift of divination has put upon the boy, even the most fair-minded reader concludes that his prophesy is more of a curse, and his family is wrong to depend upon the child for their entire livelihood."

Sample of Sources Used:

• "The Rocking Horse Winner" by D.H. Lawrence
• "Suicide Note" by Janice Mirikitani
• "The Cuban Swimmer" by Milcha Sanchez-Scott

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