Written/Offered : Student Copy
2012
Relationships are special connections that make life worthwhile. Anne Tyler, in the excerpt
from “Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant,” and Joe Bruchac, from “Walking With My Son,
James,” explore these extraordinary relationships suggesting that they create enduring
bonds, and offer unconditional love, regardless of age difference. (Contolling Idea)
In “Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant,” Ann Tyler weaves a story of two lonely souls, who find
each other amid the difficulties of life. Ezra, a twenty-five year old man, who doesn’t have a
terrific relationship with his mother, takes a liking to Mrs. Scarlatti, a restaurant owner.
Together, they become partners and support each other through thick and thin, almost like
mother and son, “her life had slid off somewhere in the past, his that kept delaying its arrival.”
Mrs. Scarlatti had lost a son to the Korean War, a husband, a matter of “bad luck,” and had
endured all of it on her own. Ezra, although a business partner, had become her “rock,” helping
her with the restaurant, her apartment, and calming her nerves with home- made soup. She
referred to him as “her boy, her angel… and she depended on him.” This unlikely pair cared
about each other, supported one another in life, even though they were not related, offering
unconditional care and love. Because of their bond, Ezra and Mrs. Scarlatti survived “year after
year of standing still in life,” together.
The emotional piece, “Walking With My Son, James” by Joe Bruchac, also offers a similar
glimpse into the enduring and emotional relationship between two individuals, a father and son.
As the two stroll on a summer night, they enjoy the beautiful summer scene, walking side-byside “shoulders almost touching.” Through the words of the poet, we feel their bond in the
silence of the “moon sliced in half, the smell of blossoms, and the pale stars.” Their walk is as
natural in scenery, as is their bond together, as father and son. Time seems to stand still and the
night offers the warm, casual comfort of their relationship. They are in the “midst of the field
(moment), and the midst of their lives.” This is time well spent between the two. The author
repeats this line so that we are more aware of this very special connection, at a unique moment in
time, as they enjoy their bond.
Anne Tyler and Joe Bruchach have both crafted works that look at the importance of enduring
bonds, and unconditional love, regardless of age difference. Both these pieces include a
relationship between an older adult and a younger, more impressionable person. The love
offered is unconditional, and the time spent, invaluable to these younger people. In “Walking
With My Son, James,” the narrator spends the time with his son, walking discussing, and
sharing, as he notices many details and reminisces about life. “He’s grown to my height… we
remember old games.” “Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant,” reinforces this notion as well with
“Ezra was grateful to Mrs. Scarlatti for rescuing him from an aimless, careless existence and
teaching him all that she knew. Perhaps Anne Tyler said it best when she noted, “They held each
other up in empty space.” Can you think of anything more worthwhile in life?
Written/Offered : Student Copy
2012
Relationships are special connections that make life worthwhile. Anne Tyler, in the excerpt
from “Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant,” and Joe Bruchac, from “Walking With My Son,
James,” explore these extraordinary relationships suggesting that they create enduring
bonds, and offer unconditional love, regardless of age difference. (Contolling Idea)
In “Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant,” Ann Tyler weaves a story of two lonely souls, who find
each other amid the difficulties of life. Ezra, a twenty-five year old man, who doesn’t have a
terrific relationship with his mother, takes a liking to Mrs. Scarlatti, a restaurant owner.
Together, they become partners and support each other through thick and thin, almost like
mother and son, “her life had slid off somewhere in the past, his that kept delaying its arrival.”
Mrs. Scarlatti had lost a son to the Korean War, a husband, a matter of “bad luck,” and had
endured all of it on her own. Ezra, although a business partner, had become her “rock,” helping
her with the restaurant, her apartment, and calming her nerves with home- made soup. She
referred to him as “her boy, her angel… and she depended on him.” This unlikely pair cared
about each other, supported one another in life, even though they were not related, offering
unconditional care and love. Because of their bond, Ezra and Mrs. Scarlatti survived “year after
year of standing still in life,” together.
The emotional piece, “Walking With My Son, James” by Joe Bruchac, also offers a similar
glimpse into the enduring and emotional relationship between two individuals, a father and son.
As the two stroll on a summer night, they enjoy the beautiful summer scene, walking side-byside “shoulders almost touching.” Through the words of the poet, we feel their bond in the
silence of the “moon sliced in half, the smell of blossoms, and the pale stars.” Their walk is as
natural in scenery, as is their bond together, as father and son. Time seems to stand still and the
night offers the warm, casual comfort of their relationship. They are in the “midst of the field
(moment), and the midst of their lives.” This is time well spent between the two. The author
repeats this line so that we are more aware of this very special connection, at a unique moment in
time, as they enjoy their bond.
Anne Tyler and Joe Bruchach have both crafted works that look at the importance of enduring
bonds, and unconditional love, regardless of age difference. Both these pieces include a
relationship between an older adult and a younger, more impressionable person. The love
offered is unconditional, and the time spent, invaluable to these younger people. In “Walking
With My Son, James,” the narrator spends the time with his son, walking discussing, and
sharing, as he notices many details and reminisces about life. “He’s grown to my height… we
remember old games.” “Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant,” reinforces this notion as well with
“Ezra was grateful to Mrs. Scarlatti for rescuing him from an aimless, careless existence and
teaching him all that she knew. Perhaps Anne Tyler said it best when she noted, “They held each
other up in empty space.” Can you think of anything more worthwhile in life?