Sunflowers
... Old Mr. Duncan is also an optimistic man and wants to enjoy his life by not caring as much. However, Mr. Small is a more mindful principal. He follows every rule and cares about every little detail that is going on in school. For instance, while the school is being rebuilt, Mr. Duncan observes the workers to see if they are doing the right things. Secondly, Mr. Duncan is very sweet and gentle in contrast with Mr. Small. Instead of angrily yelling at the students like most teachers and principals, Mr. Duncan will talk to them in a nice manner and give them advice on life. For example, Mr. Duncan always tells students to “get the shoulders back and chin out and keep the old flag flying”. The author and Benny say that they miss his pep talks because, on the other hand, Mr. Small only talks about the facts and knowledge that students should learn in school. The new principal is like an unsympathetic business man who does not allow errors to be made. For instance, he once “brawl[ed] out some of the carpenters” who were rebuilding the school. Mr. Small is a very realistic man in that everything he uses has to be pract...