Plot
The plot of this story follows a very short time-line of events which makes the Christmas season being discussed seem even shorter. On page 476, the season starts and then in only 18 pages, it ends. As the story begins, it appears that the rest of the story is a flashback, because of a woman who blatantly wears a button: "DISARM THE TOY INDUSTRY" (p. 473). Then, the flashback ensues after her fervent speech about the negative effects of toys (474-5.) I feel like this woman's speech makes the narrator question the effects of such weapon/ toys in his past, as he flashes-back to childhood. As the plot continues, individual moments, ones in which he does his best to get the gun, create slight peaks in action, and thus, interest. The author frequently uses the irony of: "You'll shoot your eye out," as a threat to the narrator's chances. In this way, he ensures that the plot ties together and ends smoothly, through the ironic event of truly shooting himself, nearly in the eye.
Point of View
The point of view throughout this story is first person. I find it interesting how the story begins with the narrator as older (p. 473-6) and then goes on to tell of his childhood(476, on). He ties both narrators together through the use of weaponry toys, and their effects on youth. I found it interesting to see the change in views from the childhood to adulthood in the narrator and his opinions. In using the same narrator, but maintain the same voice, not speaking from a child's perspective, per-say, I feel that the story was easier to relate with. The adult views (ex: p. 485), telling how it was he felt in the past, give a nostalgic tone that would not exist if it were told from the perspective of himself as a child.
Characterization
The main character of this story is Ralphie, who is also the narrator, as an adult and a child. He is the most developed character, but many details about his physical appearance do not appear until the end of the story. (p. 493, glasses). A supporting character in this story is Randy, Ralphie's brother. From the story we determine he is whiny (485) and also that he younger than Ralphie. This is from descriptions of his behavior, toys, and Ralphie's feelings of superiority over him. Other characters in this story are Ralphie's mother, father, his teacher, and friends. The only importance of most of these characters are their reaction to Ralphie's pining for a Red Ryder. The personality of Ralphie, as easily persuaded by magazine articles, sneaky, and intelligent, provide a backing for the story itself. The other characters however, are rather two dimensional because of their lack of importance.
Setting
The entirety of this story takes place in Hammond, Indiana, as evidenced by the title "Red Ryder Nails the Hammond Kid". The snowy scene of Indiana is further described in pages 477, 478, and 492. The specific places within this overall setting are Ralphie's school, home, and Goldblatt's (a department store.) The most prominent of these is the home, as this is where most of Ralphie's conquests for the Red Ryder occur. These settings, especially the overall snowy landscape, help to deepen the plot by giving the story life. Some of Ralphie's reasons for needing a Red Ryder are more understandable from a child's view because of the snow. Additionally, the entire setting helps to emanate a Christmas vibe which is key to the plot.
Theme
I felt that the overall theme for this story was the timelessness of Christmas and the things that go with it. Even in these days, during the Great Depression (480), children wanted the most extravagant and expensive gifts. The magic of store windows and adds, also existed then as it did now. Most of all, the traditional shopping center Santa with which many of us grew up is evident too. The gift giving in this story, I believe, is also a large component. Ralphie speaks of its secretive nature (481, 489). It then goes on to emphasize the joy of giving on page 491. Small details throughout the story also provide insight into the overall theme of joy in the holiday and its timelessness, with its belief in Santa and giving of gifts.
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