Essay On Hank Foster In Jon Hassler's Grand Opening

Jon Hassler’s Grand Opening shows the character of Hank Foster that a good man can be identified by his character, not the time nor the circumstances in which he lives.
To begin with, Hank is a practical man in business and takes big risks attempting for higher success. The Fosters move to Plum because the land is cheap and along with the land being cheap the family bought a store. The special sales Hank has shows the success earned towards the market. The biggest risk Hank takes in his business was remodeling his store. Hank makes an effort for the public to come to his market by putting an ad in the newspaper, “‘Grand Opening’ Hank’s New Market’ Completely remodeled.’ New self-serve shopping.’ New expanded produce department.’ New shopping carts.’ New low prices.’” (p.228) Making all these remodelations, Hank believes that he will beat out his competition and the longer it takes for his competition to modernize the

In Grand Opening, Hank takes in misfit young boy named Dodger Hicks he is known for average intelligence but lower social status and sometimes corrupt behaviors. The Foster family takes in Dodger for a couple of days before he goes to live with his father. Hank’s birthday comes up and Dodger gives Hank a wrench that was stolen from Dodger’s middle school, Dodger feels the need to give Hank a present for the DeSoto and for taking him in but does not have the money to afford a wrench. Hank explains, “‘You have to quit stealing. You don’t need to steal. We’re giving you an allowance.’” (p.222) Hank wants to help Dodger and make him a better person which Hank does throughout the book. A connection to our real world is a missionary youth group advisor teaching the difference between right and wrong, plus the young adults learning. In this situation between Hank and Dodger, Hank acted appropriately in the circumstances and he prides Dodger on being a highly moral and ethical