Emmett's 'A Time Of Learning'

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In “A Time of Learning”, Emmett is a kinetic character. Emmett Maguire is a sign and house painter, but is trapped by the thought of being one. Being an excellent painter, he denies that he is able to learn and become an artist. Emmett's father once stumbled upon of one of Emmett’s painting. The painting depicted a front of a house in an empty picture. It had shallow wooden stairs that led to an open door. Inside laid a crumbled object and a naked heel of a person. Emmett’s Father was entranced by this picture, thinking of ways to enrich the picture. As Emmett came into to room, his father told him that he was an artist. Emmett replied to his compliment by taking the picture and with a corn knife, “cut the picture to shreds.” He proceeded …show more content…

Oral’s family owns a farm and needs a new cover of paint. Emmett agrees to paint the barn and heads over to Oral’s house. There Emmett meets Ivy, Oral’s sister. Emmett fell in love with Ivy at the moment he laid his eyes upon her. Day and night at the Lish’s house, Emmett dreamt and thought of Ivy. He was always unlucky with women, but this time he thinks that he is lucky, thinking, “I could paint her...”. With new found love there was nothing Emmett could not do well. He was filled with “power and sureness”. Emmett put all his effort into painting the barn. He later told Mr. Lish that he would paint the barn for free if he could take Ivy out. During the trip Emmett tells Ivy that he wants to “paint” her, even saying “I’m an artist.” Emmett later finds out that Ivy is two-timing him with Arod Johnson, whom he had met during his trip with Ivy. With grief and anger, Emmett takes up his brush and paints a picture of Ivy on the barn, leaving a permanent picture of Ivy. At this point Emmett now realizes and admits that he is an artist. Through his love of Ivy he wants to paint her. When Ivy doubts a sign and house painter, Emmett reassures her with “I’m and artist.” Emmett finally admits what he did not want to admit in the beginning and breaks out of his

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