Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia Maclachan - Essay Example

Adding a scene: There are a lot of events that took place in Sarah, Plain and Tall that the did not tell the readers much about. An example isSarah’s activities while she was alone in town.On her way back to her Maine, Sarah was occupied with so many thoughts that she didn’t hear the train attendant asking for her ticket. She apologized, but was lost in her thoughts again. An old man sitting beside her started to talk to her.Old Man: You must have had a rough day.Sarah: No. I just need to make a very important decision in my life.

Old Man:  Life is so short to spend in pondering! Let this seventy-year-old man with a lengthy life experience help you decide.Sarah: Well, I left my life, my home, and my city to come here upon the request of a man (Jacob) to meet his family and to spend the rest of my life as a part of that family. His children lost their mother, so they want me. They need me.Old Man:  Well, do you need them?Sarah:  Well, yes. I do not want to be alone.Old Man:  Then, stay!Sarah:  But, I will miss the sea, the shells, the dunes, and the hometown that I love.

Old Man:  Hmm. So, you don’t like it here?Sarah:  I do. However, it is different. You know, adjusting to a new place is not that easy. This place is quiet and strange!Old Man:  If you do not like it here, then why would you stay? Go back to the place you love.Sarah:  But the children. They need me. I promised them I’d stay. I would be their mom, and I would sing for them! I also promised Jacob to be a part of his family and become his companion. I cannot turn my back to them.Old Man:  Do you think that taking care of children is an easy thing to do?

Sarah:  Of course not! And that’s a problem, too. I am not sure I am ready for such responsibility.Old Man:  Do you love them? Sometimes people do hard things for the ones they love.Sarah:  Yes. I love them so much, and I want to help. However, I still do not know if I can sacrifice my old life for that.Old Man:  What about Jacob? Would your decision to leave affect him?Sarah:  Yes. He would be sad. He would lose his hope in finding a companion. It would depress him and make him lose his dignity.

Old Man: When you help Jacob and the children, does that make you feel happy?Sarah:  Yes, it really does. I like Caleb’s curiosity and Anna’s intelligence. They have the ability to give me peace of mind and happiness. I really cannot stand the idea of them crying and feeling abandoned.Old Man:  I will tell you something. The more you live in this life, the more there will be things that you are going to miss and new things that you are going to gain. Weigh your options carefully. Would the family that you are going to gain make you happy?

Or would staying at your hometown bring you more happiness?Sarah:  I will stay because I love the family, specifically the children. Caleb’s inquisitiveness and Anna’s smartness are the sources of my peace of mind and happiness.Old Man: It is strange now, but don’t you think this place may later become home for you?Sarah:  You are right. Now, I know that staying here with Jacob and the children and gaining a new family would make me happier. I will stay! I will stay!