Write: In the story The Swallow and the Pumpkinseed, the older brother has different values than the younger brother; these values drive the brothers’ actions and lead to different outcomes. Write an essay analyzing how the two brothers' actions develop a theme in the story. Use evidence from the folk tale to support your response (your thinking).
In the story "The Swallow and the Pumpkinseed," the values held by the two brothers, the older brother and the younger brother, drive their actions and ultimately lead to different outcomes. The older brother values tradition, hard work, and responsibility, while the younger brother values adventure, spontaneity, and freedom. These differing values shape the brothers' actions throughout the story and develop the theme of the consequences of living a life based solely on tradition or solely on adventure.
The older brother demonstrates his values of tradition and hard work by meticulously tending to the pumpkinseed that he plants. He follows the advice of his father and takes great care to water and nourish the seed, demonstrating his sense of responsibility. His dedication and hard work pay off when the pumpkin grows and he is able to sell it for a high price. The older brother's actions show how adherence to tradition and hard work can lead to success and prosperity.
On the other hand, the younger brother embodies his values of adventure and freedom by setting off on a journey to see the world. He rejects the advice of his father and scoffs at the idea of tending to a simple seed like his brother. Instead, he seeks excitement and new experiences, traveling from place to place without a care in the world. However, the younger brother's lack of responsibility and disregard for tradition ultimately lead to his downfall. He is left penniless and hungry, realizing too late the importance of hard work and dedication.
The divergent paths taken by the two brothers illustrate the theme of balance in life. While tradition and hard work are important values that can lead to success, they must be balanced with a sense of adventure and spontaneity. The story suggests that one should not be too rigid in their adherence to tradition nor too carefree in their pursuit of adventure. It is only through finding a balance between the two that one can truly thrive and find happiness.
In conclusion, the actions of the two brothers in "The Swallow and the Pumpkinseed" serve to develop the theme of balance in life. The older brother's adherence to tradition and hard work, as well as the younger brother's pursuit of adventure and freedom, highlight the importance of finding a middle ground between the two. By incorporating aspects of both values in one's life, one can achieve success and fulfillment.