Mr. Kingsley begins his story with a classic opening “once upon a time”, yet he does not end The Waterbabies with the usual impending “and they lived happily ever after.” Kingsley’s explanation for not ending the story in the traditional fashion, emphasize one of the problems I had with this “supposed” children’s book; the story is too straightforward. There are hardly any decisions made by Tom, the dirty chimney sweep turned water baby. From the beginning, we are told what he is, a neglected mischievous dirty little boy, and what he has to become, a selfless good clean Englishman/scientist. Since stories are told from a bias, subjected, or prejudice way it should have come as no surprise to me, that Kingsley constructed The Waterbabies with no other intent, but to achieve his own wits end. I always thought writer’s constructed opportunities for their characters to develop, by way of making their own decisions, based on their motivation. Not by purposely constructing the story so that the only way that’s fitting for the character to go is the author’s way. However, that is not to say that Tom does not develop throughout the story. He simply doesn’t have any say so in the matter.
I appreciate what Kingsley achieved with Waterbabies. The material he presented me with was engaging, complex, and original. He convinced me the validity of his argument, which is the Victorian lower class needs reform, within the first three pages. Using Tom as tool to draw me in, I immediately start to feel sorry Tom, who is abused and neglected by his master Grimes. Grimes’ character provides a future alternative for who Tom will become, if we (the Victorians) do not take the time and effort to reform little boys like Tom. In that sense, Waterbabies is not only geared to educate children, but most importantly adults. This is why Kingsley has these two to three page interrupters where he thoroughly explains his points for reform, why I should or should not believe in fairy tales, and historical facts behind what I may have only a basic understanding of. Waterbabies is a carefully and purposely constructed text where there’s no lessons to be learned, only morals.
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I really like how you mentioned that Tom does not have much of "a say" in his decision-making throughout the book. He is dragged along his own story throughout the entire novel. I think this really plays a major role in The Water Babies. Using Tom as a puppet to show what to and what not to do in life makes the reader feel like he is more a part of the story. It's kind of like Steve in "Blue's Clues." Steve asks the kids who are the "audience" where he should go next. This not only engages the audience but also helps them learn things during the show. While The Water Babies is mostly about Tom, I feel that he is mainly a character the reader can associate with while learning from him. His personal actions are guided to show the reader the right way to live life.
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