Grandpa’s Legacy
In this passage, a young boy named Jonathan glances at a pair of binoculars on his way to soccer practice. The binoculars remind him of a special relationship with his grandfather. Read to find out how Jonathan's thoughts about his grandfather are suddenly interrupted later that day.
1 A pair of binoculars hung from the back door hook, yet another reminder of Grandpa. Jonathan remembered how special the binoculars had been to his grandpa; they had been a gift in recognition for his designation as Community Citizen of the Year. Inscribed inside the case were the words, “Because of your generosity and wisdom, we see more clearly; your charitable efforts toward our community will never be forgotten.” On his way out the back door, Jonathan touched the binoculars, as if touching them could somehow draw Grandpa closer. Headed to soccer practice, he walked through the city park, now vibrant with the richness of fall’s colors. As he walked, he remembered sadly that fall had been Grandpa’s favorite season.
2 Jonathan and Grandpa had always shared a special affinity for each other, and Grandpa’s stories, always beginning with the words way back when, were an integral part of Jonathan’s childhood. Grandpa had an engaging way with words, and he lovingly insisted that his grandchildren develop the same inquisitive nature about life and learning that he possessed. “A grandkid of Thomas McKinion should never be content with learning just enough,” he would announce assertively. He would add, “We should never pass up the opportunity to teach and learn from each other.” With that comment, Jonathan would sit and listen to another of Grandpa’s lessons about life. “Your name and reputation cannot be taken from you,” he would say. “Take care of both of them, and never pass up the chance to show compassion for someone else.”
3 Those recollections seemed all too remote now, like fragments of a diminishing past. The last two years, Grandpa’s health had been in a gradual state of decline, and as Jonathan became a teenager, the two had grown farther apart. The once witty, energetic Grandpa, who had kept him in stitches with his imaginative stories, had gradually become a doddering and repetitive shell of what he once was. He had then fallen victim to a heart attack, and the grandpa who had taught him to fish and enjoy the outdoor life had barely ventured out of the haven that Jonathan’s house had become. Finally, his life had ended after a two-week hospital stay and the doctor telling the family that the time had come to “let him go.”
4 Jonathan returned his attention to soccer practice. Grandpa would have been so proud of me for finally making the team, he thought. Suddenly, he heard the piercing screech of brakes. Jonathan turned toward the noise and saw an elderly man lying on the sidewalk, waving a cane wildly in the air, as a reckless driver raced away, having barely missed him.
5 Jonathan rushed to the old man and was horrified with how close the man had just come to his death. Seeming embarrassed that he had fallen, the man simply dusted himself off as he struggled to get up. He said jokingly, “You know, you can’t keep a good man down.” Then, as if nothing at all had happened, he added, “I am Mr. Bert Romano. Pleased to meet you.”
6 Mr. Romano revived quickly and started talking incessantly, as though dodging speeding cars was a normal part of his day. Jonathan was intrigued by this man’s resilience and optimistic outlook. Still concerned about his welfare, Jonathan insisted that he escort him home.
7 As he stepped into Mr. Romano’s house, Jonathan was awestruck with what he saw. To his left, he saw massive bookshelves full of leather-bound volumes, all looking well-worn. “Oh, those,” he said, "those were left to me by my father, a first generation Italian.” Jonathan looked farther and noticed one wall covered literally top to bottom with photographs. “Those,” he said, “are family members. Some are still in Italy, but most have passed away; I am so lucky to have had such a huge family.” Finally, moving past the photographs, Jonathan stopped at a row of shelves beside the door. On these shelves were framed certificates and scrapbooks, all displayed prominently. “What are those?” Jonathan asked.
8 “Those,” he replied, “contain special memories from my volunteer work at hospitals; my visits there are my passion, almost my life-blood. So many patients just need a friend; I especially love working with the older ones because we share so many experiences. Besides, I can learn so much from them; the patients there teach me something new every day! My parents always taught me to take action when I see a need. I figure if I can help someone else, I’d better do my part.”
9 This man seems to be doing just that, Jonathan thought. He reluctantly left Mr. Romano for soccer practice, but he left with the feeling that there was much more he could learn from the man’s compassion for others. Maybe he can begin where Grandpa left off; I’d like to drop by and visit him again, Jonathan thought to himself.
Which quotation contributes to the effect of surprise in the passage?
“A pair of binoculars hung from the back door hook, yet another reminder of Grandpa.” (paragraph 1)
“He had then fallen victim to a heart attack, and the grandpa who had taught him to fish and enjoy the outdoor life had barely ventured out of the haven that Jonathan’s house had become.” (paragraph 3)
“Suddenly, he heard the piercing screech of brakes.” (paragraph 4)
“Mr. Romano revived quickly and started talking incessantly, as though dodging speeding cars was a normal part of his day.“ (paragraph 6)
1 answer
The quotation that contributes to the effect of surprise in the passage is:
“Suddenly, he heard the piercing screech of brakes.” (paragraph 4)
This moment introduces an unexpected event (the near accident involving Mr. Romano) that interrupts Jonathan's reflective thoughts about his grandfather and shifts the focus of the narrative abruptly. The suddenness of the sound creates a sense of urgency and surprise, making it a pivotal moment in the story.
