Criticisms on Behavior, Essay Example

The theme of criticism is common in both stories. In both settings, there are certain behaviors that are regarded as responsible. Responsible behaviors include; service in the places of worship, personal respect, and respect for others, and taking responsibility of ones actions. All these behaviors refer to the biblical teachings. From this point of view, both good and bad behaviors have a reward. It is the role of the older generation to guide children on the right paths to avoid destruction. Old people should be role models so that their children imitate the right values. They have the power to warn, criticize, rebuke, or even punish children whose behavior is irresponsible. Such people include; parents, pastors, and lawful figures.

The author of the first story focuses mainly on three main characters X-ray, Wolfie, and his mother. Wolfie’s mother plays the role of a responsible parent in mentoring and bringing up of irresponsible children. Although the behavior of her son is beyond control, she urges him on behavioral change and criticizes his wrongful acts. This can be seen when Wolfie hits Chorizo, the family dog, and breaks his leg. His mother responded to the incidence, “Look, because of what you two did; now Chorizo is suffering. Everything any of us does has consequences,” (Saldana and Garza-Johnson 4). At another time, the two boys steal saucers from a shop and starts playing. As they play, one of their friends, Gilly, is hit by a flying saucer. Wolfie’s mother receives the news about the incidence and decides to call the police. She was determined to let her son realize the extent of his actions. She wanted him arrested and kept in jail for a few hours for him to realize the consequences of his actions.

In the second story, pastors and parents take the leading role in mentoring young people. The first issue discussed is the mode of dressing in churches. In contrast with the first story, parents have varying views on responsible and irresponsible behavior. Lissi’s mother keeps on insisting that she should not wear short dresses. In case she wore a short dress, she should wear a panty hose as well to prevent exposing her inner clothing (Saldana and Garza-Johnson 20). On the other hand, Hermana Gracie, a member of the church, insists on wearing short dresses. Her father is comfortable with Sister Gracie’s way of dressing. It is noted that the role of criticizing behavior is solely the responsibility of female parents. Mothers have a more outstanding role on their children than fathers.

Believes about consequences of bad behavior are similar in both stories. As stated above, any action committed has a consequence. From the first story, Wolfie’s mother explains to him the consequences of irresponsible behavior. Some of the consequences seen in the first story include broken leg of the family dog, a wound on Willy’s forehead, and X-ray’s and Wolfie’s bullet wounds. In the second story, Lissi fears that her bad behavior might make her be left behind in the time of rapture (Saldana and Garza-Johnson 29). This is her childhood believe that all irresponsible people will be cast to hell. Those who obey God’s commandments will be favored by God.

All the characters in both stories exhibit psychological remorse because of their actions. Although they are bitter about their actions, they are not ready to reform. This is clearly seen in the first story when X-ray and Wolfie are robbing a store. X-ray is adamant to rob the old man’s store since the latter was not financially stable. He is moved by the plea of the old man. In addition, one of Wolfie’s cousins arrives at the store at the time of the robbery. She recognizes Wolfie’s voice and compels him to stop. Both X-ray and Wolfie are emotionally affected by their own actions and ultimately became victims of the crime. Police arrived and shot both of them. It is at this time when they remember the lessons of Wolfie’s mother. In the second story, Lissi also shows psychological remorse since her behavior transforms when she is not in church. In church, she is a strong believer in the word of God and even takes part in the Holy Communion. On the contrary, she continues dancing and kissing her boyfriend, which is against the doctrines of her church.

Both stories end on a brighter note since most of the characters undergo behavioral change. After being shot, both X-ray and Wolfie transform into responsible young men. The pain of gun wounds that made them realizes the extent of their actions. Wolfie is grateful to his mother for the effort she put in transforming him. He says to his mother after a church service, “I know, it’s just that it was one year ago today, and I want to say thank you,” (Saldana and Garza-Johnson 18). The second story ends with a reunion between Brother Roberto and Sister Chanita. To mark their reunion, Lissi’s mother says, “I bet they are back visiting motels again, I wish they would just get married,” (Saldana and Garza-Johnson 32).