Student Question
In "A Mother in Mannville," what did Jerry want to buy for himself?
Quick answer:
In "A Mother in Mannville," Jerry does not express a desire to buy anything for himself. He tells the narrator he plans to use his earnings to buy white gloves for his mother, although it is later revealed that he does not have a mother. Jerry also mentions skates supposedly bought by his mother, suggesting this is another untruth. The story leaves Jerry's personal desires ambiguous, encouraging readers to infer his intentions.
There is nothing directly stated in Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings's short story "A Mother in Mannville" that Jerry wants to buy for himself. He tells the narrator that he wants to buy a pair of white gloves for his mother. Here is the quote: " 'I'm going to take the dollar you gave me for taking care of Pat,' he said, 'and buy her a pair of gloves.'" This is somewhat puzzling when one considers the ending of the story, when it is revealed that Jerry doesn't have a mother. Jerry mentions that his mother bought him a pair of skates, as well, which one can infer was not true, in light of the other lie.
Since the author does not directly state anything that Jerry wants to buy for himself, readers must make inferences about what he does with the money he earns for chopping wood and caring for the narrator's dog.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.