Summary Of 'The Bicycle'

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Critical Response Journal For some people, life is simple and straightforward while others have to sacrifice so much to succeed, as was the case in the story “The Bicycle”, by Jillian Horton. Torn between a longing to have a normal childhood or one of a practicing concert pianist, the young narrator tells us just how much dedication was involved. “If I made a few sacrifices and worked hard, I would be famous”. (33) To give up ones younger years can take its toll on anyone, even a 15-year-old girl. “I felt lonely and isolated, increasingly aware of the differences between myself and girls like Ilana and Leah” (35). “I would ride a bicycle just once… to prove that I had some control over my own life” (35). We all want to enjoy life to its fullest but what happens when you are given a gift such as the one in this story. Some people are just a little more willing to give up…show more content…
The battle that seems to be going on here is the struggle to make the right choice. “One day you will understand how all choices are made” (32). How old do you have to be in order to be held responsible for your actions, especially the ones that lead to disappointment and guilt? “I looked at her through dinner and wondered if I should feel guilt for what I had done” (37). Rules are created to help teach us right from wrong but when pushed to the limit at such an early age choices seem to be made without thinking first. “It matters that you should take foolish risks” (38). The outcome in this case is shocking as one girl’s dream is no longer her reality. Does anyone really know what lies ahead at such an early age or are we pushed to our limits by the people who think they know what’s best for us? Maybe, but in this case wisdom seemed to creep up unexpectedly and turned the life of a dedicated and committed student into a life full of new beginnings with
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