Vanka

Kara Howland

October 10, 2002

M,R,F-10am

“VANKA”

After reading the story entitled Vanka I was both amused and saddened. Vanka was a poor orphan child who was obviously quite desperate due to the miserable conditions of his life. The child Vanka is reaching out in desperation to his grandfather much like any individual might reach out to a higher authority that he or she believes in with great faith and hope. As is often the case in seemingly hopeless situations, people will promise things that are often outside of their control. Vanka tells his grandfather that he will not let anyone harm him. Obviously, that is somewhat unrealistic. No one can control the environment of another.

The story of Vanka is a sad story also. It brings to mind the plight of so many people and how these situations loom even larger during the holiday season. Vanka is away from home and alone on Christmas, the most solemn of holidays. It is the season of reminiscing and Vanka is doing just that. Sad too is, the life