The Cricket In Times Square

Accidentally abducted from his country home in a picnic basket, Chester slowly acclimates to life in the big city but discovers that New York isn’t the home of his heart. Through Chester’s displacement, Selden explores the theme of the meaning and importance of home, illustrating that home, at its core, is where one is free to be one’s authentic self. Home is where one belongs.

Chester’s identity is tied to his home. He tells Tucker, “I’m a country cricket” (25). By identifying himself in this context, Chester reveals that he feels he belongs in the country. Away from the country, he feels lost and forlorn. He misses his stump beside a willow tree, next to a stream, and his natural, free life there. Chester’s life experience before arriving in New York was limited to the country, where everything was familiar. His country home gives him a sense of security. Being among and a part of nature is a vital part of Chester’s sense of self.

New York, in contrast, is unnatural and outside the realm of his experience. Seeing Times Square at night, Chester feels that “[t]he sight was too terrible and beautiful for a cricket who up to now had measured high things by the height of his willow tree and sounds by the burble of a running brook” (33-34). The bustling, large, loud man-made world is the opposite of Chester’s small, peaceful meadow and is initially frightening and overwhelming for him until he sees the star: a familiar element of nature that connects him to his home.

An important part of feeling at home is a sense of belonging, which Chester’s new friends help him develop in the city. Mario gives Chester a physical home in the matchbox and newsstand, but Mario’s kindness and love make Chester stay. Similarly, Tucker and Harry’s warm friendship makes Chester feel happy and comfortable, accepted, and safe—all important parts of feeling at home. Chester’s heart warms to New York, but both outside elements and his own self-reflection make him realize that New York isn’t his true home.

The fancy cricket cage that Mario and Tucker admire makes Chester uncomfortable because it represents captivity. The cricket cage is less a home than a jail, especially when Mama Bellini confines Chester to it. In his country home, Chester is free. The human-made metal cage is the antithesis of Chester’s comfortable, natural wood stump. Chester prefers the matchbox house because the Kleenex reminds him of the texture of his stump—his true home. Another early sign that Chester doesn’t feel truly at home in New York comes at his two-month anniversary party. Chester realizes that he hasn’t chirped much in the city, and when he does play for Tucker and Harry, his heartfelt song is inspired by thoughts of home: “He thought of his meadow and the stump, the brook and the old willow tree. The song swelled up from his wings and filled the newsstand” (90). The memories of being free, amid the nature he loves—where he feels comfortable and safe—bring Chester happiness, which he expresses through song. Conversely, when his song is scheduled, he feels unhappy and pressured to play.

Nevertheless, Chester enjoys his stay in New York. He gets used to the bustle of the city, has once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and grows attached to Mario, Tucker, and Harry, who touch his heart. Although he feels acceptance and belonging in New York, Chester knows intuitively that he “love[s] Connecticut more” (133). The changes in season that filter into the subway station help Chester realize that he needs to be home, where he belongs. He misses its natural beauty, freedom, and spontaneity, and he knows that other wild creatures there appreciate him and his music. Chester recognizes intuitively that he belongs at home.

Chester expresses his deep connection to home when he tells Tucker that he’ll know when to get off the train: “I’ll smell the trees and I’ll feel the air, and I’ll know” (147). Chester has an innate connection to his home. Even though leaving his new friends is difficult, the pull of home and the need to be where he’s free and happy is most important.

During his stay in New York City, Chester makes several moral decisions that affect him and others. His choice of actions reflects his personal sense of ethics and his strong character. Through Chester, Selden explores the importance of staying true to one’s beliefs and following one’s heart.

Chester shows that he’s like Hsi Shuai, the original first cricket in the legend that Sai Fong shares. Hsi Shuai was a man who could only speak the truth, who knew everything, and who was at perfect peace with himself. Sai Fong explains, “Within his heart, like smell of sweetness within lotus blossom, Hsi Shuai have peace” (49). Like Hsi Shuai, Chester courageously stands up for the truth, showing his integrity by doing what he believes is right.

Chester reveals his strong moral character when he decides not to take Tucker’s well-meaning but largely dishonest suggestions to pin the blame for the eaten $2 bill on others or cause dissonance between the Bellinis. Chester shows his sense of justice and his love for Mario when he’s upset that Mario is punished instead of him by being made to replace the money. Chester doesn’t want anyone else to be hurt by his action. Tucker bemoans Chester’s scruples: “Oh you’re so honorable! […] It’s disgusting” (64). Tucker, in contrast, is ready to steal money from the lunch counter to help Chester, which reveals Tucker’s generous heart but lower scruples. Chester’s choice to accept the blame for eating the bill is based on his own moral standards and his feelings of loyalty. He’d feel guilty about lying or leaving, because the Bellinis have treated him kindly: “They’ve been so good to me—I can’t run away” (62).

Similarly, Chester chooses to stay on scene after the fire because he doesn’t want the Bellinis to believe he started the fire and fled. Chester shows his integrity and his desire for the Bellinis to think well of his character. Like Hsi Shuai, Chester has the courage to speak the truth. In Hsi Shuai’s case, wicked men plotted to kill him because he exposed their wickedness. Telling the truth was the moral thing to do even though it caused trouble for himself. Chester resolutely accepts the consequences of imprisonment after eating the $2 bill and accepts imminent expulsion from the Bellini family after the fire. Chester’s willingness to be accountable shows his belief in doing the right thing despite negative repercussions.

Additionally, Chester stands up for himself. He shows the same integrity in his self-action as he does toward others. Chester faces the truth that he’s unhappy away from his Connecticut home, despite the wonderful friendships he has made. It takes courage for Chester to tell his friends that he wants to leave. He almost waits, nervously telling Tucker and Chester that he “didn’t mean to tell you yet” (132), but he presses forward. Chester makes a hard choice but one that ensures his happiness. Ultimately, Chester trusts his heart and stays true to himself.