Student Question
In "Dear Mr. Henshaw," why does Mr. Henshaw continue to answer Leigh's questions despite his busyness?
Quick answer:
Mr. Henshaw continues to answer Leigh's questions despite his busyness because he recognizes that Leigh is a child in need of guidance. As a "very nice young man," Mr. Henshaw sincerely wants to help Leigh. His responses are successful, as they aid Leigh in understanding his emotions and situations, and foster his writing talent, ultimately boosting Leigh's confidence and self-awareness.
Through the answers he gives to some of the questions Mr. Henshaw facetiously poses to him, Leigh reveals that he is a child who is having some problems and is genuinely in need of guidance. Being "a very nice young man", Mr. Henshaw keeps answering Leigh's questions even though he is busy for the simplest, and best, of reasons - because he sincerely wants to help him. He is successful, as Leigh's continuing correspondence with Mr. Henshaw helps him grow in understanding of emotions and situations in his life, and also helps him develop his own talent in writing, an accomplishment which gives him much-needed confidence and a sense of himself.
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