A Real Good Smile

A Real Good Smile by Bill Naughon

Summary:

The story revolves around a fourteen-year-old boy who faces trouble finding a job after leaving school. Despite numerous job opportunities available, his parents insist on a specific career path for him, leading to his unemployment. With the help of a neighbor named Alf Agar, the boy prepares to approach Mr. Bidwell, the boss of the locomotive shed, for a job. Agar advises him on proper conduct and emphasizes the importance of a genuine smile. The boy practices but feels disheartened about his prospects. However, during an encounter near a mental home, a gardener offers him a job. Encouraged, the boy heads to the locomotive shed but encounters Mr. Bidwell's subordinate instead. Nervous and unable to maintain his practiced demeanor, he speaks candidly to the sweeper-up, earning Mr. Bidwell's attention. Despite his initial rejection, Mr. Bidwell eventually offers him a job due to his honesty. However, the boy decides to join his friend at a spinning mill instead. Alf Agar later informs him that Mr. Bidwell wants him to start at the locomotive shed, highlighting the unpredictability of opportunities.

Non-Verbal Skills:

"A Real Good Smile" by Bill Naughton vividly demonstrates the power of nonverbal communication skills in navigating job-seeking challenges. Through the protagonist's journey, the narrative underscores the significance of body language, particularly in conveying confidence and professionalism. The guidance provided by Alf Agar emphasizes the importance of standing tall, avoiding pockets, and wearing a genuine smile when approaching potential employers. This highlights how subtle cues like posture and facial expressions can shape others' perceptions and influence outcomes. Furthermore, the story underscores the impact of voice modulation, stressing the need for clear and assertive communication during interactions. While not explicitly mentioned, the role of eye contact in fostering rapport and trust is implied. Thus, "A Real Good Smile" serves as a compelling reminder of the essential role that nonverbal communication plays in achieving success in the job market and beyond.

Question-Answers (One line)

1. Why is the boy in trouble?

The boy is in trouble because he cannot find a job despite numerous opportunities being available.

2. What are the five stages of career growth in the locomotive shed?

The five stages of career growth in the locomotive shed include starting as a dirt wiper, becoming a greaser, progressing to an oiler-and-greaser, working on the footplate of an engine, and potentially becoming an engine-driver.

3. Why is it difficult to get a job at the locomotive shed?

It is difficult to get a job at the locomotive shed due to the belief that every lad should speak for themselves, and Mr. Bidwell's aversion to influence or recommendations.

4. What tips does Alf Agar give Billy?

Alf Agar advises Billy to stand straight, speak clearly, and wear a genuine smile while approaching Mr. Bidwell for a job.

5. Why does Agar emphasise that Billy should give a real good smile?

Agar emphasizes the importance of a real good smile because Mr. Bidwell cannot stand the sight of a miserable lad and believes that those who work under him should be happy.

6. What happens to Billy near the mental home?

Near the mental home, a gardener offers Billy a job after observing his confident demeanor.

7. How does Billy perform in front of the sweeper-up?

In front of the sweeper-up, Billy is nervous and unable to maintain his practiced demeanor, speaking candidly instead.

8. How does Billy behave in front of Mr Bidwell?

In front of Mr. Bidwell, Billy initially tries to impress with practiced behavior but eventually speaks his mind candidly, which earns Mr. Bidwell's attention.

9. Why does Billy join Jimmy Ackers at the spinning mill?

Billy joins Jimmy Ackers at the spinning mill because of better prospects and his friend's presence.

10. What news does Alf Agar bring at the end?

Alf Agar informs Billy at the end that Mr. Bidwell wants him to start at the locomotive shed.

11. What are the two career choices open to Billy and which one does he choose?

The two career choices open to Billy are working at the spinning mill or the locomotive shed, and he chooses the spinning mill initially.

12. What qualities of a job seeker are emphasised in the story?

The story emphasizes qualities such as honesty, confidence, and the ability to speak up for oneself in a job seeker.

Short Questions- Answers

1. Why is the boy in trouble?

 The boy was in trouble and disgrace because he could not find a job and was out of work. After reaching the age of  fourteen, the school leaving age in those days he was not able to find a job in locomotive shed since his parents wanted him to do a job in locomotive shed as it had a great future and was considered as a royal job. This job needed a lot of influence, the boy was in trouble waiting for an influence to get him the needed job at a locomotive shed.

2.  What are the five stages of career growth in the locomotive shed?

 The stages of career growth in the locomotive shed were beginning a s an apprentice. It was not a good job to start with, but it could lead to promotion and progress. The next promotion would be the job of dirt wiper and then in few years he could become a greaser. After a long time he could be promoted to the job of oiler and greaser and then could be a fireman and stoke up the engine of the train. Lastly and luckily he could be a engine-driver nearly at the age of fifty.

3. Why is it difficult to get a job in the locomotive shed?

The job in the locomotive shed in those days was regarded as a royal job and it needed a lot of influence to get a job . The job in the locomotive shed had a great future then any other jobs and thus to get the job high influence was required to recommend a candidate for the job. To get in touch with influential people who could recommend was difficult to find. So it was a difficult to get a job in the locomotive shed. 

4. What tips does Alf Agar give Billy?

Alf Agar gave tips on to Billy on how to present himself before Mr. Bidwell for getting this job. He shared information on what Mr. Bidwell likes and dislikes. Alf Agar says Mr. Bidwell does not like the sight of  a lad in his pockets, so Billy should not put his hands in the pocket. Secondly He likes to see a lad with shoulders and straight back. Also he does not like mumbling and stammering while speaking with him. He likes a clear loud voice. Lastly but most important Mr. Bidwell likes a lad with a real good smile and does not like miserable looking lad. So Alf suggests Billy to follow all the tips during his meeting with Mr. Bidwell. 

5. Why does Alf Agar emphasis that Billy should give a real good smile?

Alf Agar emphasizes that Billy should give a real good smile because Mr. Bidwell can’t bear the sight of a miserable lad. He can’t tolerate the idea that people working under him are not happy at their work. He likes to see a real good smile on his employees faces reflecting that they are happy working under him. So if Billy needs to get a job he should have a real good smile on his face. 

6. What happens to Billy near the mental home?

Near the mental home, the road was deserted and Billy decided to have his last rehearsal on his own. He flung back shoulders, swung his arms and went marching up to the tree stump with a big smile and and began practicing the dialogue he would speak with Mr. Bidwell. While speaking suddenly he heard a man cough and Billy realized that a gardener was watching him. The gardener thought he was looking for job and offered him a job in the garden, on hearing this Billy grabbed his jacket and ran off toward the locomotive shed.

Billy who was looking for a job finally gets the job in the locomotive shed. He joins because his parents want him to join. Billy gets the job not based on his preparation but for being honest and true.

Short Notes:

Billy

Billy, the protagonist of "A Real Good Smile" by Bill Naughton, emerges as a resilient and determined young individual navigating the challenges of finding employment. Physically, Billy is described as a fourteen-year-old boy who has just left school, suggesting a youthful appearance with a sense of eagerness and uncertainty about the future. His actions and decisions throughout the story reveal several key traits:

1. Resilience: Despite facing initial setbacks and feelings of disgrace due to unemployment, Billy demonstrates resilience by actively seeking job opportunities and not giving up hope. He shows a willingness to adapt and learn from the guidance provided by others, such as Alf Agar.

2. Determination: Billy's decision to approach Mr. Bidwell for a job at the locomotive shed showcases his determination to secure employment, even in the face of uncertainty and unfamiliarity. He exhibits a strong sense of agency and initiative in taking charge of his future.

3. Honesty: One of Billy's defining characteristics is his honesty, which is highlighted during his interaction with Mr. Bidwell. Despite initially attempting to impress with rehearsed behavior, Billy ultimately speaks candidly and directly to Mr. Bidwell, expressing his true feelings and intentions.

4. Vulnerability: Beneath Billy's outward facade of determination lies a sense of vulnerability and insecurity, particularly evident in his struggles with maintaining a genuine smile and projecting confidence. This vulnerability adds depth to his character and enhances the reader's empathy towards his experiences.

5. Adaptability: Throughout the story, Billy demonstrates adaptability by learning and applying the nonverbal communication skills taught to him by Alf Agar. He adjusts his behavior and demeanor in different situations, highlighting his ability to navigate social contexts effectively.

Thus, Billy emerges as a multifaceted character whose journey encapsulates themes of resilience, determination, honesty, vulnerability, and adaptability. His experiences serve as a poignant reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by individuals transitioning into the workforce, while also showcasing the potential for personal growth and self-discovery in the face of adversity.