Comparisons

One similarity that can be found in both stories is the generosity of people. In "Christmas: Storms and Sunshine," though Mrs. Jenkins was jealous of Mrs. Hodgson for having a baby, and disliked her very much, she gave her hot water, that was originally for her husband's tea, to Mrs. Hodgson to save her baby. Mrs. Jenkins forgot her jealous was and became generous to Mrs. Hodgson, and helped her take care of her sick baby. In "What Men Live By," Simon did not have much money, or clothes, or food, but instead of leaving Michael out in the bitter cold, he took him to his house, gave him clothes, and fed him. At first, his wife was furious, but Simon reminded her to look deep into her heart, and was generous towards Michael. Another similarity found in both stories is money. In "What Men Live By," Simon did not have much money in the beginning, and could not provide a lot of food or clothing for his family. He lived in a peasants hut, and only had one coat to share between him and his wife. By the end of the story, Michael provided much money for his family, and he was well off. In "Christmas: Storms and Sunshine," the Jenkins had more money than the Hodgsons, though Mrs. Jenkins was not very happy. Mrs. Hodgson could not afford nice caps, or a big, lavish dinner, but she was content with the way she lived her life. This proves that money does not make you happy, and it is the people around you that can better your life, which is another similarity in the two stories. In "Christmas: Storms and Sunshine," it was not the money that Michael provided Simon with that made him happy, it was the company he brought to the family. The last similarity between the two stories is the lesson learned at the end, which is to be united with your fellow people. The Jenkins and the Hodgsons realized that they could actually be friends, and their days will be merrier with new friends. The lesson God wanted Michael to learn in "What Men Live By" is that men should be united, and not to fight with one another.

Contrasts