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Carol Moore was born on July 12, 1871, and was an American educator, author, and supporter of children's libraries. She passed away on January 20, 1961. The author Carol Moore has done a remarkable job in presenting the concept of magical realism, which refers to something that is not magic but a belief through this story.
A fictional elf inspires and motivates Patrick, a young child, to work hard. He not only succeeds in doing his task but also receives excellent marks. This narrative demonstrates the power of self-help and is really effective.
Patrick was bright but a lazy young boy. He hated doing his homework and never enjoyed doing it. He was an avid gamer and enjoyed playing a variety of games, including Nintendo, hockey, and basketball. His teachers would often remind him to do his homework, but he mostly ignored them. One day, he grabbed a toy that his cat was playing with and discovered, to his amazement, that it was really a tiny man. The little guy screamed for help and begged Patrick to save his life and grant him a wish in return. Hearing this, Patrick felt an overwhelming sense of joy. He promised to rescue him if he completed all of his homework before the end of the semester.
The elf had no option but to agree. The elf made an attempt to do Patrick's homework, but he constantly required assistance from Patrick. In order to help the little guy, Patrick had to work harder than usual. The elf tricked Patrick into doing all of his homework under the pretence of aiding him. The elf was finally liberated on the last day of school, so she sneaked out through the back door. Patrick received an "A" grade on his assignment. His classmates were surprised, his teachers were happy, and his parents couldn't figure out what was going on. With his new attitude, Patrick was suddenly a completely different child.
Patrick never bothered to complete his assignments since he felt it was boring. Instead, he spent his time playing sports like basketball and hockey outside. He also enjoyed playing video games such as Nintendo. His teacher often warned him that he won't learn anything if he didn’t do his homework. It was true because he sometimes felt like he didn't know anything and couldn't do anything about it. He had no desire to do his homework or studies. One day, he saw his cat playing with what he thought was a toy, but to his astonishment, it turned out to be a little man. He looked like a witch in his woollen shirt, old-fashioned pants, and tall hat. The little man begged Patrick to rescue him from the cat. In return, the little man promised Patrick that he would grant his wish.
Patrick had a hard time believing that he was so lucky to find a solution to all of his problems in this little man. So, Patrick asked if he could do his homework until the end of the semester, which is 35 days, to help him get an "A" grade. Patrick thought that the elf could help him get better grades. When the little man heard this, his face looked like a piece of cloth that had been left in a dish basket. It was clear that he did not like the task because he kicked his legs, made angry expressions, and clenched his fists. But he promised to complete the task. The elf began completing his homework as promised. However, he wasn't always an expert and sometimes required assistance. Patrick then had to assist him.
While reading Patrick's homework, the elf would sometimes cry out loud because he didn't know what the word meant. He would then want a dictionary or anything else that would enable him to recognise the sounds of each letter in addition to the word.
Even worse was the situation with math. The elf had no arithmetic skills. For him, every mathematical concept seemed foreign or bizarre. Patrick's situation was unfortunate. The elf stated that fractions, addition, subtraction, and other mathematical operations are not necessary for elves. As a result, Patrick had to sit beside him to guide him. The same was the case with the subject of History. The elf was utterly ignorant of human history, he found it to be quite bizarre. He shouted at Patrick to go to the library, get him more books, and read them out for him. Then the elf would note the points and write them as answers in his homework book. Patrick had to put in a lot of effort.
In reality, the little man was always annoying, complaining, or requesting something or another from Patrick. Patrick struggled to fall asleep and remained awake throughout the night. He had never felt so exhausted before, and his eyes were tired and puffy when he arrived at school. It was finally the last day of school, and the elf had no more homework to do, so he was free to go. He left through the back door in secrecy. Patrick received an 'A' grade. His classmates were taken aback, the teachers were overjoyed for him, and his parents were curious to know what made him so exceptional. He changed into a good kid who cleaned his own room and did all his homework. He became a happy kid who was never mean, and he changed into a whole new person. Of course, Patrick assumed the elf had completed his homework. However, he was really doing it by himself the whole time.
The example of Patrick demonstrates how a person may succeed by working hard and being self-reliant. At the very end, it is shown that the elf guy was nothing more than a creation of Patrick's imagination. Patrick's hard work is really what brings about the change. This provides an answer to the question "Who completed Patrick's homework?" and the tale imparts knowledge about the need for self-help.
Q1. Why did the elf grant Patrick a wish?
Ans. Patrick rescued the elf's life from the cat, therefore the elf gave him a wish. He was a little man dressed in a wool shirt and pants. With relief and joy, the elf granted Patrick's desire, which he would carry out. Patrick asked the elf to do his homework since he found it boring.
Q2. How did the elf react to Patrick’s demand?
Ans. Upon hearing Patrick’s demand he kicked his legs, made angry expressions, and clenched his fists as signs of his disapproval.
Q3. In what subjects did the little man need help, to do Patrick’s homework?
Ans. The elf felt math and history as strange and bizarre because the elves never needed mathematical calculations and he dint know anything about humans or their history.
Q4. How did Patrick help him?
Ans. Patrick helped the elf by getting him books from the library, explaining and reading them aloud.
Q5. Who do you think did Patrick’s homework-the little man, or Patrick himself? Give reasons for your answer.
Ans. Due to the little man's pressure, Patrick completed his assignment on his own. In addition to helping him with history and math problems, he urged Patrick to look up word meanings from the dictionary. Thus, over and over again, Patrick had to help the elf.
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