The Teacher's Funeral Analysis

The Teacher's Funeral by Richard Peck is a fiction novel set in 1904 in a rural Indiana farm country. In the early 19th century, school was compulsory, but most parents did not bother to take their children to school. Learners started going to school at age 15 and above. The novel's protagonist is Russell, a 15-year-old enthusiast who wants to leave his home and travel to Dakota to search for a better life. The other central characters in the novel include Tansy, Charlie and Glen. The primary issues discussed in the novel include death, coming of age and determination.

Richard Peck starts the novel by exploring the theme of death. The death of teacher Myrt spreads very fast in the neighborhood. Mrs. Myrt is the only teacher in the local school, and her death might result in the school's closure. In particular, Russell is happy that teacher Myrt is no more because she is the one who pressures him to go to school. Russell does not want to go to school because he imagines travelling to North Dakota to search for better opportunities. After teacher Myrt's funeral, the school board resolves that the school can only resume if they get a new teacher and an enrolment of at least eight children per class.

The second significant topic in the novel is determination. Characters are determined to achieve their goals. For instance, Tansy is determined to teach the local school after the death of teacher Myrt. Tansy has not yet graduated from high school, but she assures the school board that she can be a good teacher. Fortunately, Tansy is offered the teaching position, and does her best to ensure the school succeeds. Despite the many challenges, Tansy continues to study and later graduates and gets the teaching certificate. The other character showing determination in the novel is Glenn. Glenn is 19 years old, but he is determined to start going to school. At last, Glenn learns how to read and write.

In conclusion, Richard Peck discusses the theme of coming of age. Most of the characters in the novel are introduced at a young age, and they do not know what they want. For instance, Russell is 15 and thinks that travelling to the north will give him a better life away from his community that only does farming. Charlie also plans to join Russell to search for better opportunities. However, as these characters age, they discover that their childhood ambitions do not reflect reality. Russell and Charlie decide to concentrate on their studies for a better future. Tansy also matures and defines her career and decides to pursue her studies. At the novel’s end, the characters are grownups pursuing different professions.