Using the details in the novel you have studied, write about the most memorable episode in the novel. Provide evidence from the text to support your answer.
The most memorable episode in the novel Dear Mr.Kilmer is when Richard gets the opportunity to nurture his passion for poetry. This happens when his English teacher Mrs.Hansen chooses to read a poem by a well-known American poet Joyce Kilmer. I find this as an interesting event is because Richard finally reveals his secret to everyone, which is his love for poems. Since a little boy, Richard has written poems on topics that touched his heart. However, he hides his poems from family members and friends for fear of being ridiculed.
Richard realises this is an opportunity for him to take his poetry to the next level. He decides to write to Kilmer knowing well the famous poet may not reply his letter. To his surprise Kilmer did reply his letter and it is the beginning of a unique relationship between the two. Richard has found someone with whom he could relate to on things close to his heart, nature, people and dreams.
Richard also learns that Kilmer is more than a poet. He is fascinated that Kilmer is a patriot. When Richard learns more about Kilmer, admiration grew. Richard reads Kilmer poems in his class and replies his letters. He is especially over the moon when Kilmer signs off as ‘your fellow verse maker’ in one of his replies. Richard is encouraged to do his best in improving his poetry skills. Even Mrs Hansen and Hannah express their appreciation for his poems.
Perhaps the most memorable event is when Pa finally understands why Richard wrote poems and in his heart, Richard understood why he wrote them too. It has brought closer to his father and now he can write poems freely and openly.
2. Using the details in the novel you have studied, write about a moral value you have learnt from the story.
In the novel, Dear Mr.Kilmer, the story highlights some moral values such as family responsibility, mutual understanding, love and patriotism. Of these, I have learned that love keeps the knight family together although they appear to have contrasting views..
Richard’s father dropped out after finishing fifth grade but he is a good farmer and provider. A single parent, Pa is determined that his older son Gus should one day graduate. He has no problems with Richard who gets excellent grades. Although Richard yearns to get close with his Pa, he senses a strange barrier between them. However, both father and son are able to understand each other in the closing chapters of the novel.
Richard’s older sister Angie was nine when their mother dies. She leaves school after the eight grade and immediately takes on the role of full time farm woman. She spent her days cooking, cleaning washing and sewing; generally looking after her family. This shows her sacrifice and completer devotion to her family.
On the other hand, Richard’s brother Gus is a self - centered person spending most of his time playing football and refusing his share of the farm work. Gus is also a goof hunter. Gus often demeans Richard for his sissy ways preferring not to understand his love for poetry.
As for Richard, he comes across as someone with a soft heart. He helps Angie to clean up in the kitchen, enjoys working long side Pain the field and helps around the farm whenever he can. Although the Knight family is without a mother figure to run the family, it is clear they can stay together as a caring family.
