One moral we might get out of this story (if we were looking for morals) is that our goals and dreams, our hopes, and our plans for the future might play a big role in determining the course of our lives. For example, when we first meet Soapy his only goal is getting thrown in jail for the winter, or rather, finding food and shelter for the winter. Getting arrested and going to jail just seems like the easiest way to accomplish it. When Soapy has his change of heart, he finds these previous goals to be shallow. He realizes he could be so much more. Immediately, Soapy starts making plans to change his life and sets about redefining his goals. Since the policeman interrupts his thoughts, we don't get to find out anything about the details. Still, we suspect that Soapy has some exciting goals. If he is as serious about these goals as he seems to be, he will probably come nearer to finding happiness and fulfillment. Maybe he can use the three months in jail to really think things through and make a solid plan to for his life, like a timeout for grownups.
Questions About Dreams, Hopes, and Plans
- How do Soapy's goals change over the course of the story?
- We learn that Soapy wants to pick up some goals and plans he used to have, but he doesn't give us any details. What effect does this have on our understanding of the story? Do you have any goals or dreams from the past that you would like to revive? Why did you put these dreams and goals away?
- In the story, Soapy never achieves any of his goals. Do you think this will change now that he has better goals?
Chew on This
Soapy's life reflects the plans he's made and the goals he's set.
The story suggests that having dreams and aspirations for the future is part of what makes life worth living.