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 year’s production to be the best. "Except for the angel, it was far and away the most important role"(73). Realizing Landon is hesitant to accept the role, 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). Feeling unable to disappoint Jamie, Landon accepts the role of Tom Thorton. 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 could tell that he actually meant it. While pulling the curtains closed, Landon spots 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 realizing the play's importance to Jamie's father, Landon feels 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 feels it would be special if the pageant was presented at the orphanage for Christmas. Landon and Jamie suggest the idea, but are immensely disappointed when their proposal is denied. Although her dream for Christmas at the orphanage is shattered, Jamie comes up with an alternate solution. She places donation jars all over town to help raise money to buy the children Christmas presents. Without a car, Jamie is unable to collect all the jars in time to go shopping for Christmas. Noticing Jamie’s struggle, Landon borrows his "mom's car and starts at the far end of town"(142). Although it takes much longer than Landon expects, all 60 jars are eventually collected. However, Landon totals all of the money to reveal a disappointing total of fifty-five dollars and seventy-three cents. He knows Jamie will be devastated if she discovers how little money has been raised. In an effort to help out as much as possible, Landon spends the evening collecting every last penny he can find, and even resorts to taking money from his personal savings. When Landon is finally satisfied, he and Jamie get together to total the money. “This is a miracle"(145) she expresses, "there’s almost two hundred and forty-seven dollars here” (145). Landon smiles to see Jamie glow in happiness. Not only did his thoughtful secret make Christmas at the orphanage a stunning success, but it also provided Jamie with happiness by fulfilling her dreams.
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 for good or evil.
Works Cited
Sparks, Nicholas. A Walk to Remember. New York: Warner Books, Inc., 1999.
