Identity In Gery Paulson's Stop The Sun

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“Stop the Sun” by Gery Paulson is about, Terry whose dad was in Vietnam he often has flashbacks when his eyes “disappear”. One day his dad had an episode in the middle of a store that embarrassed him. After they got home from the store Terry talked to his dad so he could understand what his dad went through. Through the dialogue of the characters, readers understand that it is important to understand people and what they have been through before judging them. Towards the middle of the story, Terry realizes how his dad's being around affects him. “When the embarrassment became so bad that he would cross the street when he saw his father coming, when it ate into him as he went to sleep,” (pg.65) Terry judged his dad before understanding what …show more content…

“But, Dad’ “no. that’s another part of my life. A bad part. A rotten part.” (pg.66) Terry's dad didn't want him to know about what happened but Terry didn't understand that. If Terry listened to his dad he would have kept judging him. This example shows Terry trying to understand his dad's perspective instead of continuing to judge him. At the end of the story, Terry talked to his dad to better understand his feelings. “It just seems to bother you so much.’ Terry said. “And I thought if I could help or maybe understand it better.” (pg.66) Terry was trying to help his dad but didn't know how. Terry wanted to understand his dad to better help him. By talking to his dad Terry now knew that it wasn't right to be embarrassed by him. Terry judged his dad before understanding him. In conclusion, it is important to stop and get to know a person before judging or making asomshons about them. After realizing what he was doing wrong Terry took time to talk to his dad and understand his feelings. What the author of the story wants us to stop and think about is how we think of others. Even when everybody talks badly about a person it is still important to get to know them for who they are not what other people say they