THEME

The novel that I learn in Form Five is Dear Mr Kilmer written by Anne Schraff which
highlighted/emphasized/portrayed the theme of bravery. The theme is well-woven in the novel
through Richard Knight, the 15 year old boy who is bold to face the society.
Firstly, the theme of bravery is shown when Richard Knight turned down the role of
Doughboy. The theme is clearly shown when Mrs Hansen chose Richard Knight to take the role
after he brilliantly writes suggestions on how to let the army feel less alone in the writing
competition. Richard was chosen next to Hannah Schermers to be Lady Liberty after they won the
competition fairly. However, as Hannah was mocked and bullied as being the Germans, some
students and their parents protested that she didnt deserve to play the role. The school was in chaos.
For that, Hannah declined the role to defuse the situations. In return, Richard declines the role as
well as he disagreed with the society 'herd mentality'. Even he knew he was against the community
and his family in showing his never ending support to Hannah, he still did what he believed to be
true. In my opinion, the theme is beautifully written through Richard's strong willed and bravery. I
stand with him as he was willing to decline the role even it was an honour to dress as a Doughboy.
Richard shows us to be brave to face the majority when you are right to prevail justice. In short, the
theme of bravery is clearly potrayed in Richard who was brave to decline the role.
 VALUE
The novel that I learn in Form Five is Dear Mr Kilmer written by Anne Schraff which
highlighted/emphasized/portrayed the value of bravery. The value is well-woven in the novel
through Richard Knight, the 15 year old boy who is vocal to voice his opinion regarding injustice.
Firstly, the value of bravery is shown when Richard Knight is bold enough to sign the
sympathy card. The value is vividly highlighted when Mrs Hansen brought a card as a way to show
sympathy to Hannah after her tavern was vandalised. Dirty Hun was written in red paint. The
renowned bullies who always showed hatred towards Hannah gave their classmates a warning look
not to sign the card. Definitely, Richard Knight would be with Hannah. For that, he ignored the
looks instead he signed the card to show his support to his friend, Hannah. In my opinion, the value
is wisely written through Richard's strong willed and bravery. I learn that we need to be brave
even to go against those in power to show that we are doing the right thing. After all, we must not
succumb to our own fear to neglect one's right. For this reason, I really learn the value of bravery
through Richard's bold act.
 CHARACTERISTICS
The novel that I learn in Form Five is Dear Mr Kilmer written by Anne Schraff which
highlighted/emphasized/portrayed the main character Richard Knight, a 15 year old boy. He
possessed good traits in the story.
Firstly, Richard Knight is a brave boy as portrayed by his name, Knight.This characteristic
is vividly highlighted through out the story till the ending. His bravery is clearly stated when he
sent his poem to the local newspaper. Upon receiving the news of Mr Kilmer's death, Richard could
not hold his emotions. He poured his feelings in his poem. Hanna's father read his poem and
advised him to send it to the local newspaper as his poem had touched him. Definitely, his poem
would touch everyone's heart at Turtle Lake as the people could feel his lost. For that reason, he
braved himself to send it to the local newspaper. The next morning, it was published. For me,
undoubtedly I am proud of his action. He had taken a remarkable act. This means a lot to him
as when he publishes his poem, it is actually revealing his secret to the society, especially to his
own father, Pa who prefers him to be normal, to go with the flow, to go with the society which
views poetry writing as sissy. For that, I adore him as he steps out from his comfort zone. To
make it a lot better, his bravery bears fruits as his Pa opens up to him and even gives out ideas in his
poetry writing.
 EVENT
The novel that I learn in Form Five is Dear Mr Kilmer written by Anne Schraff which
highlighted/emphasized/portrayed many events. The event that is remarkable is when Richard
Knight declines the role as Doughboy. The event began when Mrs Hansen brought a card as a way
to show sympathy to Hannah after her tavern was vandalised. Dirty Hun was written in red paint.
The renowned bullies who always showed hatred towards Hannah gave their classmates a warning
look not to sign the card. Definitely, Richard Knight would be with Hannah. For that, he ignored the
looks instead he signed the card to show his support to his friend, Hannah. Not only that, he even
wrote words of wisdom for the family as he knew how it felt to be picked on.
Firstly, the event is remarkable as it shows Richard's definite bravery. In the
event, he was not afraid to ignore the looks and teases that he might get for signing the card. Indeed,
he was being teased as Hun's lover by the bullies. In my opinion, I am undoubtedly in awe with
his decision. I learn that we need to be brave even to go against those in power to show that we
are doing the right thing. We must never be afraid to stand for justice even when we are alone.
After all, we must not succumb to our own fear to neglect one's right. For this reason, I really
think this event is a remarkable as it really emphasizes the strong will of Richard.