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Critical Review of Aaron’s Gift

The short story Aaron’s Gift by Myron Levoy examines how the human spirit endures, looks at the issues with determination, trust, betrayal, and family and sacrifice. Aaron is a young boy living in a drug-addicted and violent society where gang leaders control the environment. However, the story revolves around this young man and his adorable partner – the pigeon. Each theme is finely interwoven in the narration where it complements the overall impression and makes us understand Aaron’s world better. In this essay the theme of man as a physical object, and his relationship with society and nature will be explored the way they are depicted on the story, and their contribution to build up Aaron´s character and forging forward the main plot.


Determination is one of the key themes that are depicted in the short story of Aaron’s Gift. Aaron, the main character, personifies the element of determination as he remains resolute throughout the difficulties he encounters in the process of protecting his dear pigeon called Pidge. Despite the gang influenced nature of the neighborhood, he risks his life just to ensure that he comes in time to save his bird. His resolve becomes stronger after he chooses to hide Pidge from the gang, despite perceiving it as an honorable achievement for his pigeon to serve as the gang’s symbol. Aaron is determined to protect Pidge from being used against her will until the gang showcases their real intentions to him. Not only does this theme show Aaron’s personality, it also represents the human spirit. Its remarkable power of survival can be observed even under the hardest conditions. This underlines the fact that one can do almost anything to protect those one cares about when determined. Aaron’s resolution adds life to the story as it defines his character and moves the narrative forward. It signifies the power of sheer determination and endurance.


Aaron’s Gift centers on the theme of faith and betrayal. Initially, Aaron’s appreciation for the gang makes him envision Pidge as a messenger bird. Aaron’s innocence manifests in the trust he is given by others, which in turn proves it. But then their genuine aims are uncovered and they destroy the confidence that was initially built up. These people whom Aaron admired were going to take the life of Pidge, betraying him in his ignorance that he was their friend. Therefore, this deception serves as a hard awakening for Aaron, bringing home truths against his community’s hardest truth; his unmasked neighbors. In addition to it, it moves the plot further and motivates Aaron to save Pidge. In short, the theme of trust and deceit does not merely serve as a plot contrivance but also reveals that life often can come at unexpected turns for individuals involved in such complicated and unreliable relations. This brings to light the need for careful consideration and the pains associated with deceitfulness. Essentially, “Aaron’s Gift” is a theme that creates some tension within the story by allowing readers to have an insight into Aaron’s life.


One sensitive issue in Aarons gift was between a grandson and a grandmother who became each other’s close family members. A ray of hope for Aaron comes in the form of his grandmother- a symbol of love and wisdom. His identity is established by these stories which give him a feeling of belonging. Pidges’s pigeon, Pidge, is much than a dog; it is one present that was given by his grandmother and thus symbolizes their family affection. The bond which Aaron shares with his family acts as a motivating factor that drives all the actions he performs through the story.Aaron chooses to shield Pigeon from the harsh realities that they are facing in their community. On gang-ridden streets, he puts himself in danger by crossing them and this endangers his life. The sacrifice here is for Pidge as well as for his grandfather’s dead memories and their great love together. This shows that someone could be driven at the farthest point for keeping family ties intact. The sacrifice of Aaron is also non-physical or psychological. Instead of preserving the faith and love toward the gang he chooses to stick with what has been embedded in him by his grandma. Aaron’s emotional sacrifice further deepens his character, making him even more intriguing as an object of study.The underlying theme of family and sacrifice in Aaron’s Gift is indeed complex in its expression, depicting intricacies that characterise relationships that unite or divide us, and what people do for their families. Such a testimony demonstrates that families are strong and how critical sacrifices are. This is a message that goes through in the story of Aaron’s Gift and sticks in the readers’ minds thereafter.


In conclusion, Aaron’s Gift is an engrossing story that touches on human relations and the struggle for the human spirit. As the reader follows this book, they will feel their hearts wrench as various events occur. Aaron’s world seems so realistic due to several issues that Via these themes, the narrative remains relevant and sticks in readers’ minds. This is a case that shows how strong is the energy of our humanity soul, its influence on families and their sacrifices on us. However, the “Aaron’s gift” is a story of love, death, and whatever somebody can do in the name of the strong feelings about family.


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