Thurber's essay is an account of his family life as a child, written to entertain

He thought someone had died. His dementia caused him great confusion, and he assumed the death was of his brother Zenas.

the Get-Ready Man's car: a big Red Devil with a door in the back

From his ignorance of cars to boys at school identifying all cars to his interest in Get-Ready Man's car.

Appreciates humor in life; can laugh at himself; loves his family and cherishes his memories

streetcar crushed it beyond repair

-mother was most afraid of the Victrola; thought it dangerous to drive a car without gasoline -grandmother was horribly suspicious of electricity;

trouble starting the car; "it wouldn't go unless you pushed it and let your clutch out."

when family weeps for the car, grandfather thinks someone has died