ipl-logo

Pay It Forward Sparknotes

559 Words3 Pages

Pay It Forward is a novel by Catherine Ryan Hyde that was published in 1999. It is a heartwarming story about a young boy's idea to make the world a better place by performing random acts of kindness. The book was later made into a movie, which was released in 2000. The story is inspiring, and it encourages readers to think about ways they can make a positive impact on the world.

The main character of Pay It Forward is a twelve-year-old boy named Trevor McKinney. Trevor is assigned a social studies project by his teacher, Mr. St. Clair, who challenges his students to think of an idea that will change the world. Trevor comes up with the idea of "paying it forward." He decides that he will do a good deed for three people, and in return, those people will do a good deed for three …show more content…

He invites Jerry to stay in his garage and helps him get back on his feet. Jerry is skeptical of Trevor's plan, but he agrees to participate. Trevor's next act of kindness is to help a schoolmate who is being bullied. He stands up for her and helps her make new friends. Trevor's third act of kindness is to help his alcoholic mother, who is struggling with addiction.

The story is not just about Trevor's acts of kindness, but also about the impact they have on the people around him. Trevor's teacher, Mr. St. Clair, is inspired by Trevor's idea and becomes a mentor to Jerry. Jerry, in turn, inspires a reporter named Reuben to investigate the pay it forward phenomenon. Reuben's investigation leads him to Trevor's mother, who is forced to confront her addiction and the impact it has had on her family.

The book is a powerful reminder that small acts of kindness can have a big impact on the world. Trevor's idea of paying it forward encourages readers to think about ways they can make a difference in the lives of others. It also shows that kindness is contagious, and that one act of kindness can inspire others to do the

Show More
Related
899 Words | 4 Pages

This book, can relate to people who don't usually believe that they can make a change. That they have no effect on the world. This book, tells you straight up, that if you change yourself, you can change the world around you. This is very motivating, and a very awesome

Read More
469 Words | 2 Pages

It puts a smile on a frowning face. These people all aided others through their kindness. In some cases they might never see that person again but they know they have made a strong friend. Mr. Malter, Billy, and Mr. Savo all supported others in their world using their kindness, the simplest way possible. Now go help someone in your

Read More
717 Words | 3 Pages

If someone goes shopping and spends hundreds of dollars on items and don’t donate, that says something about who they are as a person. While shopping a constant reminder is right there. A sad, innocent, starving, child stares up begging for someone to help. While the shopper may be well-off or struggling to put groceries on the table for their family, they then realize that there is someone out there who has it much worse. Shoppers who may not be very eager to donate begin to see how ignoring this world problem makes reflects on them as a person.

Read More
564 Words | 3 Pages

His experiences and insights help Emily and Sloan gain perspective and grow emotionally. Through his mentorship, Emily learns important life lessons, such as the value of forgiveness and the importance of

Read More
598 Words | 3 Pages

George Saunders’ speech to the graduating Syracuse class of 2013 emphasized the message of being kind to one another. He made a point of his own personal experience saying that one thing he regrets is not being kinder to a young girl who was picked on for her habits. This story leads into Saunders’ message about being more mindful of others and their feelings. Saunders’ message to the students who are just about to entire the “real world” is to introduce kindness and compassion. He believed that while mankind is born with a sense of selfishness and the notion the we individually are the center of the universe kindness can change that.

Read More
794 Words | 4 Pages

By providing a specific number, $200, Singer demonstrates how simple and reasonable it is to save a child in poverty. Additionally, he repeats, “to save a child’s life,” which demonstrates exactly what a $200 donation could do for a child in poverty. As an example, Singer references a credible philosopher, Peter Unger, and acknowledges that “by his calculation, $200 in donations would help a sickly 2-year-old transform into a healthy 6-year-old.” Next, he establishes, “if you were to give up dining out just for one month, you would easily save that amount.” Singer emphasizes this to show the reader how simple it is to save $200, and, more importantly, save the life of a helpless child.

Read More
1081 Words | 5 Pages

Additionally, Maurice's belief in making a positive difference in the world can be seen in his desire to help the young traveller they encounter on the ferry. He sees an opportunity to make a difference in the young man's life and is willing to take risks to do so. This willingness to help and make a positive impact is reflective of his idealistic

Read More
107 Words | 1 Pages

Kindness is often overlooked in society yet it still manages to hold a great deal importance in the lives of many. Kindness is an empowering emotion that can change perspectives and alter destinies. In The Glass Roses by Alden Rowan the true importance of kindness is personified throughout the story. In the story Stephen is encapsulated by the kindness of his fellow worker and greatly impacts Stephan’s ability to determine his own destiny. The Glass Roses shows that individuals tend to hide their true emotions in order to gain respect from their peers however kindness, once truly unveiled can play a huge role in determining ones destiny.

Read More
607 Words | 3 Pages

These show how helping others can have a great impact on people’s lives and survival of our

Read More
853 Words | 4 Pages

This novel teaches the reader that in order to make a change in the world they must help one another, just like Grant did with

Read More
1195 Words | 5 Pages

Living in a modern world many people get well educated and are making good changes in the world. But are we forgetting something in our busy society? George Saunders talks about the importance of kindness in his commencement address. Saunders is an American writer and university professor who made the commencement address at Syracuse University in New York state in may 2013. This essay will focus on the style of Saunders’ language and on the values he advocates in his speech.

Read More
1647 Words | 7 Pages

Then he realizes that he was not going to stay with his money when he die. At the end, he helped his employee with a monetary situation. Further, he went to his nephew’s Christmas dinner. Significantly, this novel helps people retrain the meaning of being humble and kind with others. Something that is very important about this novel is that it teaches a lesson of helping others, because you are not going to stay with your money when you die.

Read More
437 Words | 2 Pages

Poem: Devonshire, Carolyn. “Lines of Separation - Poem by Carolyn Devonshire.” Lines of Separation Poem, 2010, www.poetrysoup.com/poem/lines_of_separation_252447 In this poem, author Carolyn Devonshire discusses one of the most revolutionary topics that has ever played a profound role in the formation of American society: segregation. Throughout the work, we see her discuss literal barriers, such as the Mason-Dixon line and the Berlin Wall.

Read More
634 Words | 3 Pages

After the death of his son, James comes to understand that while he is an educated businessman, he is ignorant in several ways. James Jarvis is an example of the change that can happen when one man realizes he is ignorant of his son’s motivation, of his neighbor’s needs, and of what he can do to make a difference. As Jarvis grieves over the death of his son, he begins to read things his son has written. He realizes that he has not understood his son’s view on what needs to be done in the country to replace what has been destroyed in the native culture.

Read More
1420 Words | 6 Pages

Lauder helped raise Carnegie in his time of need when his parents were unable to afford necessities such as food or clothing. He knew that helping Carnegie through the uncontrollable poverty in his life was simply the right action to take. He could not stand idly by and watch his own blood starve. However, Lauder was much deeper than caring only about his family and those close to him; he also knew the importance of helping all those who you are feasibly able to. He also showed the young boy that there is more than one way to contribute.

Read More

More about Pay It Forward Sparknotes

Related Topics

Open Document