Page 2: Conclusion and Themes

The conclusion of "A Day's Wait" emphasizes the critical importance of clear communication, especially between parents and children. The misunderstanding between Schatz and his father demonstrates how easily miscommunication can lead to severe consequences, in this case, a child believing he's facing death while his father remains unaware of the gravity of the situation.

Theme: The story underscores the theme of miscommunication and its potential ramifications in family relationships.

Hemingway highlights Schatz's heroism in the face of what he believes to be certain death. The boy's stoic acceptance of his fate, without showing fear, exemplifies a key aspect of Hemingway's literary style – the concept of grace under pressure.

Character Analysis: Schatz's bravery in the face of perceived death showcases Hemingway's admiration for stoic heroism.

The story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of clear, direct communication in preventing misunderstandings that can have profound emotional impacts. It also touches on the theme of cultural differences, as the misunderstanding stems from different temperature scales used in different countries.

Quote: "To conclude I think it is important to know how not talking directly with each other can lead to a misunderstanding, which can lead to real consequences."

"A Day's Wait" ultimately leaves readers reflecting on the delicate nature of parent-child relationships and the courage that can be found in the most unexpected places – even in the quiet resolve of a misguided but brave young boy.

Page 1: A Day's Wait - Analysis

Ernest Hemingway's short story "A Day's Wait" revolves around a misunderstanding between a father and his son, Schatz, due to the boy's illness. The narrative begins with Schatz, a nine-year-old, falling ill, prompting his father to call a doctor. Upon examination, the doctor records Schatz's temperature as 102 degrees Fahrenheit, prescribing medicine and advising not to worry unless the fever exceeds 104 degrees.

Highlight: The crux of the story lies in the misunderstanding of temperature scales between Fahrenheit and Celsius.

The story takes a turn when Schatz, believing he is dying, refuses to let his father near him to prevent contagion. Eventually, the father enters Schatz's room, leading to a revealing conversation where Schatz inquires about how long he has to live. The father, puzzled, assures him he's not dying. Schatz then explains that he believes he can't survive with a temperature of 102 degrees, based on information from a schoolmate about dying at 44 degrees.

Quote: "Some boy in France had told him you can't live with forty-four degrees."

Hemingway introduces three main characters:

1. Schatz: The brave young boy facing what he believes to be imminent death.
2. The father: The narrator who eventually realizes and resolves the misunderstanding.
3. The doctor: A minor character whose actions inadvertently contribute to the confusion.

Character Analysis: Schatz displays remarkable stoicism in the face of perceived death, showcasing Hemingway's theme of grace under pressure.

Hemingway employs a first-person narrative through the father's perspective, utilizing long sentences for descriptions and short, realistic dialogues for characterization. This narrative choice limits the reader's insight into Schatz's thoughts, creating a sense of mystery around the boy's internal struggle.

Highlight: The atmosphere is somber and tense, reflecting Schatz's belief in his impending death.

The setting primarily focuses on Schatz in his bed, with a brief change when the father goes for a walk, providing a momentary shift in perspective.