Written Assignment,

For the assignment of this week, I chose to read the story, Familiar Epistle from a Parent to a

Child Aged Two Years and Two Months by Charles Dickens, 1867. In the story, a parent writes

a letter to their child; in this letter the parent reflects on their life and realizes that the child would

be better off with someone else taking care of them. I like the story, because the author makes

unique emphasis in the feelings and thoughts, he is having about the decision chosen. As

mentioned in the letter, the author seems to struggle with poverty. The parent came to the

decision to sacrifice and give his child away, with the hope that the child would thank him

someday, as mentioned in the quote: “always assuring you that you would thank me for it

yourself some day when you grew older.” (Dickens, 1867, para. 1) Later, the father starts writing

about a personal experience, in relation with the change that he is about to do, hoping that the

child would understand that it is a tough decision for him, because he loves him to death and he

wishes the best for his child. The parent believes that his friend who giving the child, would give

a safe and better future to him. (Dickens, 1867, para. 5)

Although, in the story the author doesn’t mention if it the letter is for a son or a daughter, it also

does not mention what happened to the mother of the child. Considering these factors, I came

with the realization that the father was through pain. This is a sad story, even though made me

think that love requires selfless sacrifices, and a prime example is our parents. A mother or a

father always try to do their best for the children, and most of the time, thinking about the best

decision could be very difficult for anyone. I also think that nobody is perfect, nobody guides

you to be a good parent. But we do have to be thankful for the sacrifices made by our parents for

us.
1. What is the title of the text and what is the text about?

The title of the text is Familiar Epistle from a Parent to a Child Aged Two Years and Two

Months by Charles Dickens, the text is about a parent writing a letter to his two-year-old child.

2. What is the author’s view? How do I know?

He is making the decision to give the child to one of their friends, because the author mentions it

in the letter to explain to his child why he made that decision with the hope that the child would

understand when grows up.

3. What is the evidence presented by the author to support ideas?

I know that because the author mentions “In fact, my child, you have changed hands. Henceforth

I resign you to the guardianship and protection of one of my most intimate and valued friends,

Mr. Ainsworth, with whom, and with you, my best wishes and warmest feelings will ever

remain.” (Dickens, 1867.)

4. Is the evidence valid? How do I know?

Yes, Because the title is Familiar Epistle from a Parent to a Child Aged Two Years and Two

Months, and the main topic is how he came up with the decision to give his baby away.

6. Have I heard/read anything similar or dissimilar? What was it?

This is the first time that I read something like this, and I am glad that I did.

7. Do I agree or disagree with the views expressed by the author? Why?

I neither agree nor disagree because I haven’t experience like that in my life, I don’t know how

difficult could be. But I do agree that the father loves his child and want the best for him.

Reference:

Dickens, C. (1867.). Flash Fiction Online. Retrieved September 12, 2020, from:

http://www.flashfictiononline.com/fpublic0056-familiar-epistle-parent-child-charles-

dickens.html