Analysis of Cradle Hold by David Klass

In the short story Cradle Hold by David Klass, a very young boy named Duke possesses many feminine qualities, such as preferring dolls over guns or books over the outdoors. Duke’s father Harry is very uncomfortable about this. He tries everything he can think of to change his son, But nothing works. Eventually Duke gets a girlfriend. Harry is very happy but far from pleased. One day Duke decides to try out for wrestling to make his father happy. Duke makes the team as an substitute. Harry travels to all of Duke's games even though he doesn't play most of the time. Duke makes his way up to the best wrestler in his school. He went the whole season undefeated. He was at the championships and made it to the finals. He was up against another undefeated wrestler. In the middle of his match Harry makes some unexpected decisions without thinking how they will affect Duke.

In the story Cradle Hold there are unique characters that keep you reading, a strong plot that keeps the story moving , and lots of conflict to keep the story interesting.

To begin with there are a lot of unique characters that make you want to keep reading. Duke is more feminine than other boys his age and his father harry does not approve of it. “When Duke was five years old, Harry began to worry that his son was exhibiting too many feminine tendencies. Duke was small for his age, he preferred dolls to guns and reading books to playing outdoors.” When Duke was younger he was more feminine than the other boys his age. He didn't care for the “boy” toys. Harry Duke’s father didn't like that. He tried everything he could to make his little boy more masculine but nothing worked. Harry also has a different personality. He is a weird man. “They didn't make girls like that whe...

... middle of paper ...

... thought of John Wayne and I changed it in a flash to Duke….” His voice dropped off. “You dont know what its like to not be eighteen years old.” “That’s an explanation?” ”Who says there has to be a good explanation for everything? Thats the most I can say.” “Its nonsense,” Duke Said” Duke and Harry don't understand each other and Harry is trying to make Duke feel sympathy for him because he sorts mail all day long and Duke is not buying his dads sob story.

In conclusion I think that people should read Cradle Hold because it has unique characters that keep you reading, a strong plot that keeps the story moving , and lots of conflict to keep the story interesting.

There are many things going on in the story but it has a great theme which is it doesn't matter what others think about you or how they see you, all that matters is that you are happy and enjoying yourself.