Analysis Of The Essay 'Burden Of A Happy Childhood'

The essay “Burden of a happy childhood” published in The New York Times explores the potential downfall that appears in a happy, joy-filled childhood. Although there is no conclusive evidence that can prove the deficiency of happy adolescent years, the author explains how the presence of a happy childhood sometimes leads to a disappointing and depressing adulthood. Studies have shown that factors, such as childhood happiness, play an important role for the future of the individual. Chronic health problems especially mental illness, self reported health and happiness are flawed indicators of overall well being( Eckersley, 2010, p.1). The focus of the article is the author’s assertion that joyful adolescent years only provide a cavity of disappointment

The article does not provide any examples of cases where children who have a happy childhood also excel in their adult years. The author does not provide any evidence to support her claim that having a happy childhood definitively creates a bad adulthood.The definition of happy is also varied from person to person. Happiness is described as a global perception of personal satisfaction, presence of positive affection and absence of negative affection, all of which are directly related to subjective well being. Cantwell’s happy childhood years are more than likely an exception to healthy, happy adolescent years. Despite the disappointments that the author faces as an adult, most people would not castigate the blessings that they have had both as an adult and as a child. The author will always dwell in the past of how her childhood was unsatisfactory, and it will always affect her children’s lives. Because their mother does not believe in happy adolescent years, her children will always be deprived of joyful teenage years since their mother failed to provide that for her children. The literary elements in the article, however, are multi-faceted. The repetition, contrast, and anomalies are both numerous and