For example, the story is effective because the family deals with daily issues that many people have gone through or are going through right now. All the characters seem to spend their time in very convincing ways doing things some people may have experienced in life. First, the narrator states that he is watching television with his father. Neither of them is looking at each other while they are talking. Some boys and men may find it difficult to have an honest, heartfelt conversation with each other. Some of them may use items such as drinking, a movie, or watching sports to distract themselves and others from viewing them while they are in an emotional state. Secondly, the sister in the story is on a date with a “boy she can’t bring home” (Miller, n.d.). Even though women, especially those in Western societies, have the freedom to date whomever they choose, they do not have the right to impose upon their family a boy or man that their family does not like or want around them. The boy in the story may not be wanted at the family home or during family gatherings. Finally, the brother lighting a candle is plausible because many people rely on religion in the hopes that their lives would be lengthened. Even though some people may not believe religion can help them, some people continue to believe that God can cure them. All these different scenarios in “Changing the Channel” are plausible because it could have been a story about any family in just about any country in the world. Therefore, it is a very effective story.
For example, the story, “Changing the Channel,” does manage to pack a lot of information into only 142 words. First, the reader is told how the narrator and his father are sitting with pillows behind their backs as they watch television and speak to each other. The narrator alludes to the fact he and his father have a difficult time talking in other ways. Additionally, at the end of the story, the narrator tells the reader that his father "has a good job in the post office, and this miracle of rest is what we share" (Miller, n.d.). It is easy for the reader to think that the previous job the father in the story had held did not leave a lot of time for rest and talks with his son. Secondly, the sister in the story is having issues with the boy she is dating and her family. The narrator states that his sister is “on a date with a boy she can’t bring home” but gives no reason why the boy is not allowed in their small Bronx apartment. It is just known that the boy and the narrator’s family are not on good terms. Third, it is easy to assume that the narrator’s brother may have some illness or diseases. The brother is in church lighting candles and saying prayers probably for a cure from God that would allow him to live longer. The narrator’s mentioned the fact that such actions “will not lengthen his life” may be because he does not believe in miracle cures or the workings of prayers (Miller, n.d.). Finally, the narrator mentions his mother is shopping and trying to decide between the lamb chops or the pork at the store nearby. The information can be used to deduce that the family may be selecting food based on the price rather than what nutrition the family may need. Furthermore, it is possible that she could be a thrifty shopper. Even though “Changing the Channel” is only 142 words long, it gives a lot of information about the family.
Work Cited
Miller, E. E. (n.d.). Changing the channel [word].
