Analysis of Ashes by Susan Beth Pfeffer Essay Example

Emotions are valuable, however, sometimes they cause more harm than good. Ashes, the protagonist constantly pushes aside what she knows is wrong. In the short story “Ashes” by Susan Beth Pfeffer the author conveys the lesson to not let emotion get in the way of decisions. 

Don’t let the emotion you have for someone get in the way because it can stop you from telling the difference between right and wrong. For instance the text stated,  “‘ You owe them two hundred dollars?’ I asked, trying to keep the panic out of her voice… ‘Can I help?’’ This demonstrates how Ashes yearning for her father's love will go to any extent to get her dad's approval. In her actions, she shows that she will help her father at all costs since she has only been motivated by her love and affection for him. Additionally, it proves that when you're in a stressful situation, you're worried about your loved ones getting hurt, therefore you make poor decisions. Proof that the love you feel for someone can cause you to make irrational decisions. This theory was proven again when the text stated, “ The teapot was right where it belonged. I lifted it’s lid and stared at her money. Her earthquake money, her Martian money, what was I going to do?”  Asher's love for her dad contributed to her decision-making skills conflicting with her emotions as she knew stealing from her mother was wrong. As a result, she became blind to reality, which in turn compromised her ability to make rational decisions without considering her loved ones.

It is also important not to be swayed by emotions when making decisions, since emotions may cause incorrect judgments. For example, the text stated “‘ You’re the special one, Ashes. You're a one in a million girl’ ‘ Am I really?’ I asked, not needing reassurance. I knew I wasn't a one in a million girl, no matter how often dad said it to me. I still loved hearing him say it ''Due to this, Ashes, who feeds off of her dad's words was affected because her judgment was clouded by what she heard.  Her affection for her father made her believe that her dad was always this hero or savior. She believed he was flattering but did not realize there were motives behind his actions. Another example is when the text stated “‘ I am a dreamer,’ he said to me more than once, which really wasn't all that different from what mom said ‘ He's an irresponsible bum’ was her way of wording it.’” This is crucial because it shows that the mother is no longer in love with her father, not willing to overlook all his faults. The daughter, however, has yet to experience the father's true nature, as he has always seemed kind and compassionate.  Ash was under the impression that her father could not do wrong. After all, if you love someone you're not going to see their shortcomings. You see what you want to see when you're in love.   

Don't let emotion get in the way of decisions because it can jeopardize relationships. For example, the text states, “‘ I would never steal from your mother. I’ve caused her enough pain,’ he added casually ‘ No, I just thought maybe you could borrow the money.’”  There is significance to this because the father put Ashes in a situation where he knew she could be caught. He knew that the implications of his actions would be grave because it would shattered his relationship with Ashes mother but would also have impacted the relationship and trust between Ashes and her mother. The father knew the danger but choose to not act as he was greedy and only wanted money. Another example is when the text states '‘ That's a lot of money, what if mom finds out?!’ ‘ It's me she’d be angry at’ dad said.” The father, even knowing the risks, tells Ashes that if something happens, the blame will be on him. However, Ashes is still responsible for the problem since all she comprehends is that she is helping her father. Relationships are fragile, what Ashes dad did could have shattered the entire family's relationship. 

Throughout "Ashes," the author demonstrates that emotions should never get in the way of decision-making. Even when you love and care deeply about someone, you must not let that get in the way. It is only then that we can see our true decisions without being influenced by those around us.