Who Did Patrick's Homework? Summary

Carol Moore's short story is named "Who Did Patrick's Homework?" in which Patrick is the main character. Patrick was a slacker at school. He disliked doing his homework. He was sharp-minded and intelligent. One day, he noticed his cat playing with a small doll, but it turned out to be Elf like a tiny man. When he protected the Elf from the cat, the Elf offered Patrick a wish. Patrick wished to do his homework for school.

He was ready to write his work, but he required Patrick's help looking up the dictionary words. When the little man requested his assistance, he read books to him and assisted him in finishing his homework. Patrick worked even harder than usual to help the Elf. Patrick's grades were progressively improved. When he scored A, his teachers, classmates, and parents were stunned by what happened to him. Patrick was the sole source of inspiration. This narrative shows that Patrick could study and work extremely hard but only refused to take a step. It is a children's story about accepting responsibility for one's actions and the consequences of seeking assistance to complete tasks. In this chapter, we will learn about Patrick, a youngster who hates doing homework. However, he ultimately improves his grades and develops other positive behaviors.

About the Author

Anne Carroll Moore (July 12, 1871 - January 20, 1961) was an educator, writer, and advocate for children's libraries in America. She was named Annie after an aunt, and when she was in her fifties, she formally changed her name to Anne to prevent confusion with Annie E. Moore, another woman who published writings about juvenile libraries at the time. From 1906 through 1941, she was the chief of children's services at the New York City public library system. Moore also wrote Nicholas: A Manhattan Christmas Story, one of two Newbery Medal nominees in 1925.

Summary of Who Did Patrick's Homework

Patrick despised doing his schoolwork. He found it tiresome. He enjoyed playing video games. He enjoyed playing basketball, hockey, and Nintendo. His teachers notified him that he needed to finish his homework. Otherwise, he would become an ignorant person. At times, he believed it. On the other hand, Patrick couldn't help himself. One day, Patrick noticed his cat playing with a little doll. He grabbed the doll. He was surprised to discover that the doll turned out to be a tiny man. This man was dressed in old-fashioned britches. His hat was as tall as a witch's. A tiny man cried by saying, "Save me." In exchange, he promised to grant Patrick's wish. Patrick saved the tiny man. He was pleased.

Patrick told the tiny man to finish all his homework before the end of his semester. That way, he would be able to receive A's. The tiny man did not like it, but he accepted it. He got right to work on his homework. However, there was one issue. He frequently needs Patrick's assistance in completing his homework correctly. The Elf would sometimes want a dictionary. He would ask Patrick to look up a word and say the spellings out. When it came to Maths, things were significantly more difficult. The Elf knew almost nothing about it. As a result, Patrick had to sit with him and guide him at all times. The same thing happened with History. Patrick needed to go to the library, retrieve the books, and read them to the Elf. Those points would then be written in Elf's homework answer book. Patrick had to work quite hard. When the last day of school arrived, the Elf was finally free to go. Of course, the assignment had been completed. Patrick received all A's. His teachers and students were shocked. His parents were stunned about how their boy had become such a model child. Patrick has changed his mindset completely. Of course, Patrick assumed that the Elf had completed his homework. But the truth is that he was doing it all along by himself.

Analysis of Who Did Patrick's Homework

Patrick was not lazy. He used to enjoy playing hockey and basketball but disliked doing his homework. He was uninterested in academics and was told by teachers that he would only learn something if he did his homework. Patrick noticed his cat playing with a doll one day, but it was a small figure, an elf. The Elf wore a tall hat, woolen shirt, and breeches. He was in danger and begged for help. Patrick saved him and was allowed a wish in return.

Patrick was pleased and asked the man to complete his homework for 35 days. The man was upset, but he kept his promise. The man needed to improve in maths and English and required frequent help. He made Patrick to look up words in the dictionary. Patrick had to sit by him, guide him through the process, and buy books from the library. He put in a lot of effort. The Elf disappeared after 35 days. Patrick did well in all of his subjects. He had grown into a gentle young man. He thought the tiny man did all his schoolwork, but it was him.

Theme of The Story

The plot revolves around Patrick, a little boy who never completes homework. Patrick is fortunate to come across an elf who promises that he will grant him a wish in return for saving his life. Patrick expects him to complete his homework and feels happy with his good fortune. The Elf pretends he needs assistance and makes Patrick work hard and read additional books until his homework is finished. Thus, the writer beautifully shows us that hard work can only produce magical results and portrays 'hard work is the key to success.'

Conclusion

Patrick's experience shows how hard effort and self-reliance can lead to success. The elf-man is eventually revealed to be an illusion of Patrick's imagination. In truth, Patrick's efforts are responsible for the change. This promotes the idea of self-dependence and answers the title question, "Who did Patrick's homework?". Finally, someone did Patrick's homework. However, with additional information and context, we will know who completed the homework.