Richard Dirda Character Analysis

Dirda includes many details of his father that emphasize his character. His father is a hard worker and wanted his son to succeed in life. “My father, a soul ravaged by discontent, always prey to righteous indignation and of a brooding temperament, daydreamed that his children, especially his only son, would accomplish great things in the world” (Dirda 390). This quote captures his father’s advice. “Sometimes, while my mother put my three sisters to bed, Dad would invite me to scrunch down next to him in the cream-colored recliner (with special Magic Fingers vibrating action) and look through the pages of an old illustrated encyclopedia or a Sears catalogue” (Dirda 392). Dirda’s father considered reading a bonding moment between the two and
wanted to make sure that his son would be more successful than him. Dirda narrates this story in a way that would summarize his father’s character, then go on to discuss specific events that reflect on his father. I think the way he does, lets the story flow in a smooth fashion. College is something that is almost needed for pursuing a successful career nowadays. Many people back in the day and in Dirda’s fathers time, did not have the access to college, therefore not receiving the education that we have access to today. His father wants him to be successful with reading so it will help in later on in life. I grew up having very similar interest in reading as my mother. We enjoyed reading different book series, mysteries, and even magazines. My father on the other hand, loved reading the newspaper, like Dirda’s father. I could never get used to reading the paper because I found it boring. For the most part, my parents and I have similar interests which makes me bond with them just how Dirda and his father did.