26.11.

2020 (THURSDAY) LITERATURE ESSAY 5 SET A

33. NOVEL – DEAR MR KILMER (ANNE SCHRAFF)

“Determination is important to materialise what one dreams to

achieve.”
How is this shown in the novel you have read?
Support your answer with close reference to the text.

Based on the novel I have read before which is the novel Dear Mr Kilmer by Anne Schraff, there
are many evidences to support the existence of the text throughout the story. The novel highlights many
crucial themes and determination is one of them. The main character, Richard proves that
determination helps him to achieve his dream, hope or wish that is to do the right thing in life all the
time.

Firstly, Richard’s determination helps him to save an innocent creature. In Chapter 1, Richard
goes hunting with his father and brother, Gus. His father expects Richard to get his first hunt with
success. When they are near a creek, a buck appears to drink water. It is about 50 feet from Richard.
Richard hesitantly raises his rifle and aims towards the buck. Clearly, he had a very clear chance of
success if he had shot the buck but Richard believes in doing the right thing, thus he purposely delays in
pulling the trigger and finally misses the shot. His determination to save the buck’s life helps him to
achieve his dream. Gus scolded him and his father was disappointed for his failure to shoot the animal.
In my opinion, we must always try to do the right thing even though our action may not be liked by
others.

Secondly, we can see Richard’s success in doing the right thing that is to support Hannah
emotionally when she is down. One day, the tavern which belongs to the Schermers is vandalised and
Mrs Hansen asks her pupils to sign a sympathy card which will be sent to Hannah. The card is passed
around in class but in the end, nobody signed it except Richard. Richard’s determination is clearly seen
here as he does not care what his classmates would say or do to him. All he cares is to do the right thing
that is to sign the card and comfort Hannah. Once again Richard proves his determination when he
offers to deliver the card personally to Hannah at her house. Richard has only one dream or hope that is
to express his sympathy to Hannah and her family. In my opinion, it is important for us to be determined
in doing the right thing even though we have to face challenges.

Finally, Richard’s determination has helped him to achieve his dream of doing the right thing
when he rejects his role as a Doughboy. One day, Mrs Hansen organises a patriotic programme to raise
fund for war. By winning the essay writing competition, both Richard and Hannah are the given the roles
of Doughboy and Lady Liberty respectively. However, the other pupils, together with the members of
the society are angry when Hannah is chosen for the role. Finally, Hannah rejects her roles as she does
not want to create any more troubles. Richard is determined to defend Hannah up to the extent he is
willing to reject his role as a Doughboy. Richard wants to do the right thing that is not to practise
prejudice and support his friend Hannah no matter what happens. Obviously, his determination helps
him to achieve what he wants or dreams of. Personally, I believe, having strong determination is crucial
in achieving our dream as it will give us inner strength to face all the obstacles.

In conclusion, no doubt Richard is a very determined character and it is his determination that
helped him to achieve his dream or what he wishes to do in his life. In the end it is evident how
everyone finally accepts the odd boy who was mature in his own ways.