Kind
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Interpretive layers
Experiential narrative
Teaching pattern

Neville's longest running demonstration through a child, told with the grandmother in the room. The parents were in debt and dreamed of a house, so at bedtime the grandmother and mother put the three-year-old into it: close your eyes and see this lovely home, a huge fireplace right up to the ceiling, glass all around, two bedrooms - one yours and one Julie's - and keep your eyes closed, because if you open them it will deny what I am telling you. Shortly afterwards the father's firm was absorbed, every man was given an aptitude test, and his came back saying salesman. He refused; they told him he could quit but could not stay on any other terms. He became a salesman, made a fortune, and they bought the house with the glass and the fireplace. Then Christmas came and the mother wondered how to get five dollars out of a husband who was never generous - so she used the child again, and put her into a backyard with a huge playpen full of toys. Before Christmas she telephoned her own mother to say he had gone mad: he was contemplating a hundred-dollar playpen. The grandmother asked whether she had forgotten what she did with Pammie a fortnight before. Then the marriage failed and the divorce was finalised. The grandmother asked the child whether she wanted her mother back, and when she cried, set the scene: the door opening, mother coming in in her nightgown and not in a suit, coming over and kissing you - feel the kiss. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday; and on Friday the mother came back, decree or no decree. Neville reaches for Isaiah - a little child shall lead them - because the child restored the grandmother's own faith, and gives the child the last word.

Collections
Lectures
Own wordings
with me Imagination works like thunder
there’s a huge, big playpen in the backyard filled with toys

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So the little child, while in bed, was told by the grandmother and the mother, “Close your eyes and see this lovely home, a huge big fireplace right up to the ceiling, glass all around, two bedrooms for you, Pammie”
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He’s contemplating buying a hundred-dollar playpen for Pammie and Julie, and undoubtedly, he’ll fill it with toys.
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“You know, Grandma, you’re mature, you’re old, but with me Imagination works like thunder!”
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