Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good ,Very Bad Day ( Viorst ) - Book Report/Review Example

Dawn Murray Mr. Pierce Module English 215-section -005 November 14, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day Renowned American psychologist and children-fiction writer Judith Viorst has earned great name and fame as a distinguished writer and journalist. She, through her simple but powerful stories, conveys meaningful messages to the innocent minds, and asks them to observe patience, endurance, kindness and generosity while interacting with their family, friends, teachers, neighbors and other members of society.

Although writing for the children, by stepping down at their mental level, looks hard nut to crack, yet the story under analysis not only displays her dexterity in portraying superb ideas and wonderful imagination, but also shows her command over exploring the liking, disliking and interests of the children. Consequently, her works prove her in-depth analysis of child psychology. In the story, under-examination, the protagonist Alexander has to undergo series of unpleasant incidents from his awakening to the breakfast table, and from his journey to school to his attending his father’s office.

He not only gets least preferred seat in the car, but also his stay at school turns out to be drab, dull, dowdy and dismal. Instead of receiving appreciations from the teacher in drawing class, he is criticized for not making good performance. Alexander also has to remain almost lonely during playtime, because his close friend seeks new companionship in class. He also has to tolerate the unpleasant behavior of his brothers, which breaks his heart and turns him upset and gloomy. All these happenings are not only beyond his control, but also it is fact that he does not have any hand in his misfortune.

Alexander visits his father’s office with the hope of spending the remaining part of the day in amusement. Consequently, he is determined to explore the articles present in his father’s table. However, his misfortune does not leave him there even, and he while trying to discover new horizons, on the basis of the capacities of his innocent mind, he sets the office in mess, and is censured by the father subsequently. He also repeats mistakes at home, which invites the anger of his mother and displeasure of the brothers as well.

At dining table, he finds the dish he dislikes most; consequently, he refuses to take anything properly. At last, he returns his bedroom again, and invites the pet cat to spend time with him. Somehow, the pet appears to be interested in sleeping with his brother, and thus leaves him in the lurch and loneliness. Thus, he spends the bad day from dawn to dusk at and outside his home. Out of sheer feelings of disappointment and dejection, Alexander is determined to leave his country for immigrating abroad, where his fortune will support him in leading a happy, jovial, exciting and gratifying life.

Since he is fed up of criticizing of the parents and teachers, and indifferent behavior of his school-mates, elder brothers and the cat as well, he aims to explore new lands where there could be peace and tranquility, and all his wishes will come true with the support of his fortune. As he starts packing his clothes and books, the mother enters and displays her affection towards him. She informs the little angel that life in all parts of the globe appears to be one and the same, and the individuals living in every region of the world undergo problems, difficulties and trials.

It is actually the law of nature that good and bad days come and go in alternation, which make life full of variety and excitement. It is therefore change of place and migration from the homeland is not actually the solution of human problems. The innocent Alexander is convinced that every human faces troubles and difficulties in life, and happy and sad days go hand in hand throughout man’s life. He smiles at the mother and promises to combat with the everyday challenges like a brave and dauntless boy.

The story gives the moral lesson to the children that escape and evasion are not the solution of their problems; instead, remaining firm and resolute on the face of hardships brings progress, prosperity and joys in life. One should not change his line of action on finding hurdles and obstacles on the way. On the contrary, removing these hurdles serves as thee acid test of humans, and steadfastness and courage makes man great and popular everywhere in the world. BibliographyViorst, Judith & Cruz, Ray.

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day Alexander Series (Aladdin Books 1987 1-32)