Response Sample In the short story, “My Brother's Keeper” by Jay Bennett, the main ‘theme is that sometimes tough love is necessary. The story begins in a courtroom and Jamie, the protagonist, is being sworn in to testify. We are at first unsure of what the trial is about, but the author’s use of flashback helps us to understand that Jamie’s older brother, Ted, is on trial for hit and run, The flashback gives us other details about Ted and Jamie's life including that the brothers’ parents “were killed in [a] car crash” (274) and ‘Ted “never got over it” (274). Jamie is not surprised when his brother tells him he isin trouble as Ted often makes poor choices. Even though Ted is. an accomplished professional football player who can handle himself well on the field, he has difficulty handling real life situations. Jamie recalls that ‘once Ted “stepped off the field and took off his uniform, he became a child” ((271). Of course, he is not literally a child out of uniform, but the metaphor compares Ted to a child because he is immature in his actions and in the decisions he makes, Jamie is five years younger than Ted, but “all through the years [he] had to act like [he] was the older brother” (268). Jamie has, in the past, offered the opposite of tough love, constantly bailing Ted out of difficutt situations. ‘What surprises Jamie is when Ted's lawyer asks him to provide Ted with an alibi for the night of the accident. Jamie is fondly called “Straight Arrow” (271) by Ted. He was valedictorian of his high school graduating class and he has a full scholarship to Yale. His word would be trusted in court. Even Ted is surprised by the lawyer's request and doesn’t want Jamie to have to lie for him. | thought Jamie would refuse to provide the alii, forcing his brother to finally accept the consequences of his immature behaviour. Jamie's reaction when Ted calls for help following the hit and run is one of frustration. He seems to be fed up with his brother's, immaturity. Instead, Jamie eventually agrees to provide the alibi, after the smooth-talking lawyer assures him that “nothing will happen’ (280) to Jamie or Ted Jamie reconsiders his promise to provide the alibi though. | think he was trying to figure the best way to help his brother. He realizes that bailing him out once again will never teach Ted that there are serious consequences to irresponsible behaviour. In court, Jamie breaks down and reflects that he “can't do it” (283). The ending is effective because it teaches that, in certain circumstances, tough love is the best option. Jamie refuses to testify because he loves his brother, not because he doesn’t love him. Jamie is thinking of what would be best for Ted long-term. | think this ‘message is useful in our society of “helicopter parents”. These are good- intentioned mothers and fathers who always hover, trying to protect their children from everything from failure to pain. The problem is that the children grow up without knowing the natural consequences of their actions. “My Brother's Keeper” shows us that when we truly care for people, rather than constantly bailing them out of trouble, it is more important to help them grow into individuals with good character. Title, author and the main theme identified. Literary technique ~ flashback Impact of flashback explored. Story’s meaning is analyzed. Literary technique ~ metaphor Impact of metaphor is explored. Analysis of meaning (related to the theme) continues. ‘Some reaction (When happens, | thought...). Reaction Judgement of effectiveness of text Connection to modern society and “helicopter parents”