By agreeing to star as Tom Thorton in the Christmas pageant, Landon realizes the significance of carrying out a favour. Jamie's father wrote the play that tells a story which reminds him of his deceased wife. Jamie asks Landon to play the role of Tom Thorton, as she wants this years production to be the best. "Except for the angel, it was far and away the most important role"(73). Hesitant to say yes, Jamie continues to explain; "I've been praying about it, Landon... I'd really like this play to be special this year... I want it to be the best production ever. I know how much it will mean to him to see me be the angel, because this play reminds him of my mother"(75). Unable to dissapoint Jamie, Landon agrees. During the play's opening night, Landon recognizes a beauty in Jamie that he has never noticed before. "She looked exactly like an angel"(134). Stumbling on his lines, Landon blurts out "You're beautiful"(135). He had nailed that line for the very first time, and everyone knew that he actually meant it. Pulling the curtains closed, Landon spotted Jamie off to the side with her father. "He had tears in his eyes-it was the first time I'd ever seen him cry-and Jamie went into his arms, and they held each other for a long time. He was stroking her hair and whispering, 'My angel,' to her while her eyes were closed, and even I felt myself choking up"(137). After seeing how important this play was to Jamie's father, Landon felt his favour rewarded instantly.
By agreeing to help with Christmas at the orphanage, Landon discovers the importance in helping others. The Christmas pageant was a true success. Jamie thought it would be special if the pageant could be played for the children at the orphanage for Christmas. Landon agreed to go with Jamie to propose the idea, but was immediately disappointed after being turned down. Although her dream for Christmas at the orphanage was shattered, Jamie quickly found a solution. She started putting money jars all over town to help raise money to buy the children Christmas presents. Without a car, Jamie was unable to collect all the jars in time to go shopping for Christmas. Landon noticed her struggle, so borrowed his "mom's car and started at the far end of town"(142). All 60 jars were collected, although it took Landon longer than expected. He counted the money in all the jars, only to get a disappointing total of fifty-five dollars and seventy-three cents. He couldn't believe his eyes, or bear to see Jamie's face when she'd count it. Landon dug into his savings, then spent the evening collecting every penny he could find. Landon met with Jamie, where they counted the money together. “This is a miracle"(145) she expressed, "there’s almost two hundred and forty-seven dollars here”(145). Landon smiled as Jamie glowed. His thoughtful secret made Christmas at the orphanage a stunning success. Landon was just happy to see Jamie give the children the special Christmas she dreamed about.
In A Walk to Remember, Nicholas Sparks uses the character of Jamie Sullivan to reflect and develop the narrator, Landon Carter. Through the events of the novel, Landon discovers the depths of the human heart, and the steps a person will take to provide another with happiness. This heart wrenching account of a young first love emphasizes the power to change, whether by good or evil.
The Power of Love
by
Rachel
D’Aguilar
Ms. Adams
ENG 4UI 03
Kitchener Collegiate Institute
Friday, November 28, 2003
Works Cited
Sparks, Nicholas. A Walk to Remember. New York: Warner Books, Inc., 1999.
