Question

Why did Jack insist that it was the wizard that was hit and not the mother?

Hint:

The conflict between Jack and Jo highlights the contrast between blind obedience to authority and the child’s sense of justice.

Answer 1

Step 1: Context of the story.
The story comes from “Should Wizard Hit Mommy?” by John Updike. In the story, Jack narrates a tale about a little girl named Jo who wants the wizard to be hit instead of the mother.
Step 2: Reason for Jack’s insistence.
Jack insisted that the mother was right and it was the wizard who should be hit because he wanted to enforce the traditional authority of parents. Jack believed that parents knew what was best for their children and children should obey them.
Conclusion:
Jack emphasized that the mother was correct and the wizard wrong because he wanted to teach Jo the importance of parental authority and discipline, reflecting his own conservative mindset.