A Christmas Memory Group

Question:

kenny1234
kenny1234
Student
High School - 11th Grade

Where did Buddy and his friend hide their money in A Christmas Memory?

Be specific.

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Posted by kenny1234 on Tuesday September 29, 2009 at 7:56 AM and tagged with a christmas memory, buddy, hidden money, plot.

Answers:

  1. accessteacher
    accessteacher Teacher
    High School - 10th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    The short story states that the "Fruitcake Fund" is kept:

    hidden in an ancient bead purse under a loose board under the floor under a chamber pot under my friend's bed.

    The description of this hiding place, with the repetition of under, and the clear care taken to hide it somewhere where no-one will find it, clearly emphasises the care and prudence involved in saving all of this money (although it is a relatively small amount) during the year for the Fruitcake Fund, thereby forcing the reader to take note of the poverty of Buddy and his "friend."

    We are also told that checking the amount or taking the purse out to make a withdrawal is a secretive event:

    Silently, wallowing in the pleasures of conspiracy, we take the bead purse from its secret place and spill its contents on the scrap quilt.

    Their joint enjoyment of gathering the money and the pleasure they take in using the Fruitcake Fund clearly is something that helps cement their very close friendship.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/christmas-memory
    http://www.enotes.com/christmas-memory/themes

    Rate answer:

    Posted by accessteacher on Friday November 13, 2009 at 8:44 AM