Friday 12 August 2011

The Purple Patch (by David Bateson)

    This short story, narrated in first person point of view, tells the reader about a boy named Jackie, who was ashamed of having to wear a purple patch in the seat of his trousers because his parents could not afford a new pair of britches.
 In the first place, there was a rich girl called Penny that Jackie was trying to impress so he wanted to find a solution his problem. Thus, he sold his ball and his burning glass to a another boy in order to enter a sports’ contest and try to win some money.
 While he was inside the place, he noticed that Penny was there, too. So he took part in some competitions with other girls as partners, but in the end, he went in the Wheelbarrow Race with Penny. Much to his surprise, the girl was simple and easy-going and did not seem to care about the patch.
 Sometimes we tend to misjudge people on the basis of trivial matters. This story clearly shows how different people commit mistakes because they do not know each other very well.

Victoria

3 comments:

  1. When I read this story let me tell you that I really enjoy it!! This story clearly shows those feelings we had when we were children.In my opinion, Jackie did not want to be discovered to be poor, that is why he was so worried!

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  2. This short story is very funny! The fact that Jackie has no money to buy a new pair of trousers and so he has to wear a “Patch” really worries him. By reading this story, we can realize that these types of problems are considered “high problems” in the children’s world, that is why I think it could be a good story to use in our classes, it may help students to reflect on what makes them to feel embarrassed!
    What is your opinion?
    Abby.

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  3. Yes, Abby I think the story is perfect for reflection specially about how to overcome our fears.
    Victoria

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