Personal Analysis Essay on Alice Munro Short Story "Day of the Butterfly"

Introduction

"Day of a Butterfly" by Alice Munro entails information about female narrator known as Helen who is flashbacking into memories when she was at the sixth grade. There are various kinds of themes in the book which comprises connection, betrayal, friendship, commitment, appearances, and isolation. In the story, Munro insisted on the people arrogance whereby, they do not usually care until a person is either sick or dead (Darlene, pg. 20). This is clearly seen in our current society especially among the teen. For instance, they can get bullied by others to an extreme point where they cannot take it anymore. The funny part is when they are dead, is the time when we start describing and commenting on how good the individuals were when they were still alive (Akila, pg.12). It is sad that nobody ever notices them or treat them the same as others but to only care when they are gone.

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After going through this story, I can clearly point out that the author is trying to show the reader and the targeted society on what it is like for children to go through bullying and also the result of bullying which can be catastrophic. In the commencement of the story, it is captivating and interesting that Munro captured and explored in details on the theme of isolation as well as commitment (Munro, pg. 55). The characters experiencing isolation from other children in the school are Jimmy and Myra. For instance, Myra feels that she is isolated because she has the feeling that she should watch her brother back rather that involving herself into playing together with other children at school. On the other hand, Jimmy feels isolated because he occasionally wet himself which probably lower his esteem. Therefore, Myra has to step in to look after him so that he does not feel abandoned. Perhaps, she is selfless and would not like to just think about herself.

The second time I started reading this story I had thoughts that it was quite interesting how Hellen is nervous not to walk with both Myra and Jimmy simply because Hellen is scared of what or how people would take her or think of her if they saw her with Myra. This clearly showed that Hellen always wanted to have a connection with Myra but what she didn't what is to be made fun of it (Munro, pg. 55). As we see Hellen sharing the box of the crackers jacks with Jimmy and Myra and later, she allows Myra to keep the butterfly badge, and hence Hellen was way connected to Myra.

In the story, there is there is a sense of artificiality that is brought when Myra classmates are seen celebrating Myra birthday her. At the start of the story, Myra feels defeat and even toward the end of the story she still has a feeling of defeat. This kind of defeat is quite saddening and threatening because there is a chance that she could probably die (Akila, pg.12). Toward the end of the novel, we find the theme of connection being clearly brought out alongside betrayal. Betrays is seen when Helen is given a gift by Myra and she, in turn, doesn't accept the gift and she even says that her brother can smash the gift and instead bring out commitment with Myra, Hellen is ready to forget about their friendship with Myra.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I personally have to post this question. Why do people have to show better care to someone after they are gone? I have personally taken keen to understand why people care and I have some answers that people realize the worth of the person once they die. Just like the case of Myra more and more people started to care show care when she was starting to lose her life. They all came to celebrate her birthday before she died. I still suggest that maybe once you read this book you might have your personal view of the question. What would you think is the main reason?

Work Cited

Kelly, Darlene. "Alice Munro's" Day of the butterfly": an American source." ARIEL: A Review of International English Literature 29.2 (2018).

Pfaus, Brenda. Alice Munro. Dundurn, 102.2(2014.)

Akila III, S. "Voiceless Suffering of Myra Salya's Life in Day of The Butterfly." Language in India 18.2 (2018).