Dandelion Wine

In Ray Bradbury’s “Dandelion Wine”, Douglas learns growth through self-discovery from his Great Grandmother dying, Colonel Freeleigh’s stories, and the end of the trolley. Douglas’ Great Grandmother dies and gives him advice, and this provides a new view of death. Colonel Freeleigh’s stories give Douglas new perspective on himself and his life. Mr. Tridden and his explanation of the end of the trolley also changes Douglas’ view of himself.
Douglas’ Great Grandmother provides wisdom for Douglas and his views on himself and his life. Douglas’ Great Grandmother says, “Like everything else in this life, it’s fitting.” (184) Douglas learns that everything in life has its place and that includes him. His Grandmother also says “Any man who saves fingernail clippings is a fool.” (183) Douglas learns that he should accept change in himself and the world around him, because nothing ever stays the same forever. Great Grandmother says, “Important thing is not the me that's lying here, but the me that's sitting on the edge of the bed looking back at me, and the me that's downstairs cooking supper, or out in the garage under the car, or in the library reading. All the new parts, they count. I'm not really dying today. No person ever died that had a family.” (183) From this Douglas Learns that death should be accepted as a part of life, just as daily activities, such as cooking or reading, are parts of life. Douglas’ Great Grandmother gives him new wisdom on the world and his life.
Colonel Freeleigh provides Douglas with a new view of himself by telling him stories of the civil war and by dying. Colonel Freeleigh says, “I don’t remember ayone winning anywhere any time. War’s never a winning thing, Charlie. You just lose all the time, and the one who loses last asks for terms. All I remember is a lot of losing and sadness and nothing good but the end of it.” (Bradbury 85) Douglas learns that fighting and war are never justifications for solving a problem. He learns that he