The First Day

The First Day is a short story done by Edward Jones. It describes the unfolding of events surrounding one loving mother’s efforts to introduce her daughter to school. The narrator who is being introduced to elementary school tells the story with much clarity. Fine details of what transpired are revealed by the narrator. This short story is in no doubt a representation of what happens daily in the lives of kids being introduced to school, a totally new environment. The elementary school is most likely a private one. That is why the mother is finding it hard to secure admission for her daughter. Despite a strong desire to have her daughter admitted to Seaton Elementary School, a stern communication from the lady registering new pupils is enough to make them look for an alternative. This is happening to a person who appears to by generally stubborn according to narrator’s statements.

The narrator’s judgment and statements are satisfactorily reliable despite being a daughter of five years old,. The mother must have wanted to have her daughter enrolled at Seaton Elementary school because of the school’s proximity to her church. This confirms to us the fact that this mother is not only a caring but also a loving mother. It can also be argued that insistence on the mother’s preference of Seaton to any other facility is backed by the length of time this educational facility has been in existence. Status quo must be driving the mother to seek admission in a rather distant place. The narrator helps use to learn more about her mother’s personality after being turned down. Out of her reaction to this rejection, she appears to be totally dejected. A lot can be deduced from this behavior. She appears to be one resilient woman who understands not only what she wants in life but also what is best for her daughter. Despite successful registration of her daughter in the second school, she is not happy.

This work shows what is willing to do just for the sake of her daughter. Proximity of school to the church is the motivation behind the mother’s spirited move to take her daughter to school miles away from their home. Resilience is one admirable character of this mother. She represents a few contemporary mothers who will not stop until they secure what is best for their families. She is further depicted to be responsible and caring mother. Out of her actions, like talking to the daughter in a friendly manner and firmly holding her hands is a true evidence of these virtues. One disadvantage which could have triggered her predicaments in the first school, could have the perception by the registering woman that they ere not well off financially. Although little it might be, some elements of pride in the mother can be interpreted as part of her weakness. She is forced to swallow this pride if her daughter was to get admission.

A true witness of the mother’s warmth is detailed in the daughter’s description. She tells us how her mother brought her up as well as wanting her to grow and become a fine woman. The end of her narration, where the daughter explains how vividly she could hear the footsteps of her mother amidst noisy school children, shows that these memories are so dear to her life.

Although this story revolves strictly around a mother and her daughter, deeper exegesis reveals that it could be about challenging life issues everyone is undergoing everyday. A resounding theme of hardship is repeated on several occasions across the text. If this story is anything to go by, problems facing humanity are normal occurrences. When they found admission to the second school, new hope is rekindled. The story ends with the narrator paying keen attention to her mother’s footsteps. This shows us how much they love each other and what that simple break through meant to both of them. It painted a bright future for the young girl.