Chapter 5: Should Wizard Hit Mommy?

The story explores ethical issues dependent on various levels of maturity. It also discusses the issue of the relationship of the child-parent relationship deeply. There is a sharp contrast between an adult’s view of life and the worldview of a little child. Though Roger Skunk doesn’t like the thought of smelling foul again, he agrees with his mom because he loves his mom more than all the other animals. It also shows the kind of trust that Roger had in her mother. This is the kind of trust that Jack had Jo have in him so that later in life, Jo understands how valuable this lesson was for her. Thus, the story shows how children start questioning their parents as they grow and how difficult it is for parents to decide whether it is time to treat them as grown-ups.

Jo was not satisfied with the ending of the story and persuaded her father to retell the story the next day, presenting the story in a predetermined way that she had set. According to Jo, neither Roger skunk nor the Wizard was wrong in the story. She wants this to happen because she cannot see Roger Skunk being left alone by his friends. According to her, Roger is better off smelling like roses as his friends won’t run away from him anymore. She wanted the story to end with the wizard hitting back the mother skunk with his magic wand on her head.

Jack insisted that it was the wizard that was hit and not the mother since he wanted Jo to realize that whatever parents do for their kids is for their good. He wanted to make Jo understand that there’s no wizard in practical life. Also, his notable defence for Mommy Skunk made Jo aware that Jack was probably defending his mother.

Jack believes that he has been caught in an ugly middle position physically, emotionally as well as mentally since both his spouse and his daughter are in his presence. He was aware of his responsibilities as a husband and as a father. But he is incapable of choosing between the two. Clare is six months pregnant. She’s painting the furniture alone and expects Jack to help her. She also says “That was a long story” when Jack comes downstairs. Her explanation makes Jack feel guilty because he couldn’t come to help his wife on time. On the other hand, all his struggles to make Jo fall asleep have gone in vain. Moreover, he couldn’t make Jo understand Mommy Skunk was indeed doing what was best for little Roger. Everything that Jack was required to do was left incomplete. He found himself to be in an ugly middle position as he could not wipe out the gap between the old and the modern generation.

Considering the age of Jo, both endings look a little illogical. Jo will certainly be learning from whatever she listens to and visualizes at this age. However, Jo’s preference for how the story should end is very beautiful. If the story ends according to Jack, Jo will never be capable of questioning anything she considers wrong in life since this ending emphasizes that elders are always correct in whatever they do. But I agree with the end that Jack decides. This is because it gives the story a touch of Jack’s personal life and makes us see how Jack was supported by his mother. It becomes a story with a lesson wherein Jo knows how much Jack loves his mother by his way of defending Mommy Skunk.

An adult’s perspective on life is different from that of a child. This is because a grown-up or adult is more experienced. He has more knowledge of life since he has existed for a long time and has seen the harsh facts of life. A child’s mind is real, simple, and without any experience of the complexities of the adult world. So, an adult’s perspective is always separate from that of a child.