You Cannot Judge A Pumpkin's Happiness By The Smile Upon His Face Analysis

“You Cannot Judge a Pumpkin’s Happiness by the Smile Upon His Face”

An exceptional father figure is portrayed in the story “You Cannot Judge a Pumpkin’s Happiness by the Smile Upon His Face”, by Jane Rule, through Harry’s character. Harry is a good father figure due to his in involvement in his children’s lives, such as, he went trick or treating with his children . Furthermore, he is strict/forceful when needed as a good parent should be, for instance, telling his children to bundle up for the rain instead of staying at home. Ultimately, he is caring and concerned for his children’s safety, illustrated by Harry thinking about cancelling Joey’s paper route. All these qualities, depict how Harry is doing a good job as a father.

Being involved

He might have been forceful aswell, but in acceptable way. Joey and Sally didn’t want to go out for Halloween, because Sally felt sick and it was raining. Harry said “she’ll be fine” (13) to Sally’s upset stomach, and “you can put sweaters on underneath” (13) since, it was raining. He is pushing his children because he doesn't want them to stay home for Halloween. A lousy parent wouldn't bother if their child went out for Halloween, or not. On the other hand, Harry is determined to take his children out for halloween, because as a child Harry didn't really get to celebrate any holidays. ‘Harry had not had the conventional joys of childhood himself, he was enthusiastic about them for his own children.’

Joey and Sally entered a party while trick or treating where, everyone was smoking pot. Harry could smell the pot from outside and he started to panic because he couldn’t find his children. When Joey and Sally came out of the party, Harry was really concerned for Joey because he knew about pot and even knew where the people at the party grew it. Joey said “they grow it on their roof”(14) and Joey should not know about pot at his age. Harry talks about cancelling Joey’s paper route because he doesn’t want him throwing papers at cripples, drunks, vicious dogs and dope fiends. Harry realized they should have moved to a better neighbourhood. Harry said “ we can give a Halloween party at home next year.” (15). This indicates that Harry doesn't want his children going door to door around their dangerous neighbourhood, he wants to keep his children safe and in my opinion that's the first thing a good parent would think of doing.

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In conclusion, I feel that Harry is interpreted as a strong father figure in the story, “You Cannot Judge a Pumpkin’s Happiness by the Smile Upon His Face”, by Jane Rule, due to the fact that, he acquires all the right qualities. He does a good job parenting his two children, Joey and Sally. For instance, Harry was involved with his children’s activities and knew when to put their foot down with his children. Moreover, he took certain measures