The Goodness Of Matt Kaizer Analysis

“The Goodness of Matt Kaizer,” by Avi, is about a young boy, Marley, who tells the story of Matt Kaizer, the Minister’s son. Matt is bad, and he’s proud of it. Even when his father repeatedly says “there’s goodness in everyone” he insists he’s not good. From picking up roadkill to watching gory tv shows, nothing is too bad for Matt. If he gets a dare, he will accept it. The gang (Cuck, Nick, Todd, and Marley) always pressure Matt to tak ebeing bad to the next level. And Matt could of gone living like that forever, if he had not met ill Mr Bataky, who needs to confess his sinful life, and believes Matt is an angel.

At the start of the story, Matt Kaizer is at his BADDEST, always trying to prove that he’s really “Bad.” The “gang” pressures

Spitballs, booger flicking, wedgie yanking, it was all wicked fun for Matt.” And what does Rev. kaizer think of his son? Surprisingly, he is not furious, and he handles everything very calmly. This is what he said after Matt “Blew his nose on someone’s lunch.” “Matt, I do believe there’s goodness in everyone. That goes for you too. Someday you’ll find your own goodness. And when you do, you’ll be free.” “I’m not good,” Matt insisted.” Rev. Kaizer is a bit disappointed in the fact that Matt never refused “a dare”.

But one day, Matt is given a dare that will change him forever…. It all started when Chuck said, “Hey hear about Mary Beth Bataky…. Her old man’s dying.” “Right away Matt was interested.” “Really?” “He’s sick……...That’s why Mary Beth is out. She’s waiting for him to die. “Cool,” said Matt.” Clearly the gang has no respect for people’s private lives. When Marley says “Hey Spirit I dare you to go and see him”, Matt has no other choice but to accept, especially when Todd says “Or maybe...you’re too chicken, being as you’re a minister’s kid and all.” As they near the Bataky residence, Marley asks “but what what would your father say?” but Matt braggs “I don’t care,” “Anyway, I’m not going to to

But he meets sick old Mr Bataky, who needs to unburden himself from his sinful life, Matt realizes that he may have a tiny bit of goodness inside him. Rev kiazer, tries to convince Matt to go visit Mr Bataky again, but when the boy stubbornly refuses, fearing he might be doing something GOOD, Rev Kaizer has only once choice. To dare him. By the end of the short story, after a week of visiting Mr Bataky and hearing him confess his sins, Matt is dressed in all white, and becomes good. Maybe the minister is right. Maybe there is “goodness in