English 12 - Tom Will Restore Civilization in his Country

Homework: Tom Will Restore Civilization in his Country (Correction is welcome~)

"The Smile”, written by Ray Bradbury, describes the destructive impact of war, a story that war destroys not only the city’s structure, but also the appreciation of morality and culture. The crowds are queuing to spit on an oil painting belonging to the past, called the "Mona Lisa". In the group, there is a unique boy named Tom, who has all the qualities to restore civilization in his country, as he not only possesses curiosity but also the ability to appreciate beauty and love.

At the beginning of the story, Tom shows his great curiosity about the object they are going to spit upon. He knows from other people that the portrait is “made of oil and canvas” and is “four centuries old.” Confused, Tom can not understand why people hate her. From the dialogue between Tom and Grigsby, readers see Tom’s hidden qualms towards the information he gets from Grigsby and the action he is urged to do. Attracted by that woman’s smile, Tom is eager to see the portrait.

Tom is different from other people and is capable of sensing the beauty and art when facing the painting. He looks at it carefully for a long time, despite being pushed by Grigsby to spit on Mona Lisa’s portrait. Tom appreciates Mona Lisa’s wonderful and magical smile so much that he bravely preserves a piece of canvas from destruction. Tom’s reaction pproves that he is a rare person among those who rip the portrait with insuppressible hatred.

As predicted  at beginning of the story, chaos will be gone if there is “some one with a heart” and “ a soul for pretty things”. With investigative personality and inherent percipiention , Tom discovers and protects the beautiful artwork. Tom’s human nature is fully awakened by the smile; no doubt, Tom will restore peace and civilization in his country.