“Most people say if you tell a wish it won't come true. But I don't think wishes work like that. I don't believe there's some bad-tempered wish-fairy with a clipboard, checking off whether or not you've told...But it's a long shot I'll get my wish, so even if there is a fairy in charge of telling, it won't matter.'I wish everyone had the same chances,' I say. 'Because it stinks a big one that they don't. What about you? What did you wish for?''Grape soda.'I can't help smiling. 'You wished for grape soda?' He doesn't answer, and I pull my hand from my pocket. Taking one of his fluttering hands, I wrap his fingers tightly around a dollar. 'Wish granted, toad.'He takes off running and Dad runs after him.I close my eyes and make a new wish.I wish the refreshment stand has grape soda.”
Analysis
In this quote from Cynthia Lord's novel, the protagonist reflects on the idea of wishes and the belief that sharing them out loud will prevent them from coming true. Despite this superstition, the protagonist does not believe in a wish-fairy keeping track of wishes. The conversation about wishes between the protagonist and another character sheds light on their hopes and desires. The protagonist's wish for equal opportunities for everyone shows a sense of empathy and fairness. The simple wish for grape soda from the other character adds a touch of humor and innocence to the scene. Ultimately, the act of granting a wish for grape soda brings a moment of joy and whimsy to the characters. This quote highlights themes of hope, kindness, and the power of simple gestures in making wishes come true.
Modern Relevance
In this passage from Cynthia Lord's novel, "Rules," the idea of making wishes and the uncertainty of them coming true is explored. The concept of fairness and equality in opportunities is also touched upon. Today, the themes of hope, generosity, and the importance of granting others equal chances remain just as relevant as ever.
Example of Usage
In this excerpt from the book "Rules" by Cynthia Lord, a character discusses the concept of making wishes and whether they will come true. The dialogue between the characters reveals their different perspectives on wishing and what they desire. The playful interaction between the characters adds depth to the scene and showcases their personalities.
Reflection Questions:
In this heartwarming passage from Cynthia Lord's book, "Rules," the characters make wishes and express their desires. This scene prompts us to reflect on our own hopes and dreams. Here are some questions to consider:
- Have you ever made a wish that you were hesitant to share with others? Why do you think people sometimes feel apprehensive about revealing their wishes?
- The protagonist wishes for everyone to have the same opportunities. Why do you think equality and fairness are important to her? How do you feel about the concept of equal chances for all individuals?
- The boy in the passage simply wishes for grape soda. What do you think his wish reflects about his character or desires?
- When the protagonist grants the boy's wish for grape soda, it brings joy and excitement. Have you ever had a simple wish or desire fulfilled that brought you happiness? How did it make you feel?
- The passage ends with the protagonist making a new wish. What do you think this new wish signifies? Why do you think the character chooses to make another wish at that moment?
Similar quotes
“I wish everyone had the same chances," I say. "Because it stinks a big one that they don't." - Catherine”
“I wished that my hand would work again," I tell him when he climbs in after me. it was my first wish and the only one that mattered."I wished my mother was here tonight, which is stupid, because it's an impossible wish." He shrugs and turns to me, drowning the smile that cracks me every time."It's not stupid to want to see her again.""It wasn't so much that I wanted to see her again, " he says, looking at me with the depth of more than seventeen years in his eyes. "I wanted her to see you.”
“Son, that's a pretty hard question to answer. But I do believe that any wish you make can come true if you help the wish. I don't think that the Lord meant for our lives to be so simple and easy that every time we wanted something, all we had to do was wish for it and we'd get it. I don't believe that at all. If that were true, there would be a lot of lazy people in this old world. No one would be working. Everyone would be wishing for what they needed or wanted."Papa," I asked, "how can you help a wish?""Oh, there are a lot of ways," Papa said. "Hard work, faith, patience, and determination. I think prayer and really believing in your wish can help more than anything else.”
“He'll be cross if he sees I have been crying. They don't like you to cry. He doesn't cry. I wish to God I could make him cry. I wish I could make him cry and tread the floor and feel his heart heavy and big and festering in him. I wish I could hurt him like hell.He doesn't wish that about me. I don't think he even knows how he makes me feel. I wish he could know, without my telling him. They don't like you to tell them they've made you cry. They don't like you to tell them you're unhappy because of them. If you do, they think you're possessive and exacting. And then they hate you. They hate you whenever you say anything you really think. You always have to keep playing little games. Oh, I thought we didn't have to; I thought this was so big I could say whatever I meant. I guess you can't, ever. I guess there isn't ever anything big enough for that.”
“You know what I wish? I wish all the scum of the Earth had one throat and I had my hands about it.”