Introduction
After reading the story “The Sanctuary of School,” the answer to the question of why Lynda Barry was crying is simple. The author says by herself “I realize I was crying from relief” (Barry 2). However, to understand the background of the story and the causes that made a little girl cry, it is vital to see her living conditions and the peculiarities of her family. The essay shows that children from low-income families might experience numerous hardships that impact their lives.
Discussion
Remembering her house, Barry speaks about “an overcrowded and unhappy home”, and “the high levels of frustration, depression, and anger” (1). Children are extremely sensitive to the atmosphere and problems affecting their parents. They could not feel safe in their homes and suffered because of a lack of attention and care.
For this reason, public schools became a certain sanctuary or shelter for kids such as Lynda Barry. Seeing her caring teachers and workers who were not indifferent to her problems, she realized that her life was important. It was the only place where she could enjoy “a thoroughly secure, warm, and stable world” (Barry 2). It was essential for a little girl to understand that society might help her and someone might want to protect her.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the story shows the significance of public schools for children from low-income families as it was their only chance to get an education, acquire the necessary skills, and avoid the depressed atmosphere of their homes. In such a way, Lynda Barry was crying because of numerous problems in her family. However, she was also crying from great relief, at the chance to feel secure, protected, and happy. Being surrounded by her peers and children, with her books at pencils on the desk, she felt like a usual child and was happy.
Work Cited
Barry, Lynda. “The Sanctuary of School.”Englishiva1011, Web.