Mr Stink

In the final chapters of Mr. Stink, the story concludes its theme on The Impact of Kindness and Generosity, as Chloe and Mr. Stink affirm their friendship and continue to benefit from each other’s kind gestures. Mr. Stink’s emotional generosity continues to pay dividends for Chloe, as he defends her to her mother and advises Mrs. Crumb to be a gentler parent. Mrs. Crumb’s newfound open-mindedness helps her listen to Mr. Stink’s advice, and she begins to treat Chloe more kindly. Mrs. Crumb’s dramatic turnaround shows the far-reaching effects of Mr. Stink’s continued kindness toward the whole family. She apologizes to Chloe for tearing up her creative writing: “I fished this out of the bin and I read it to the end, Chloe. It’s brilliant” (248). This moment symbolizes Mrs. Crumb’s personal growth and the rekindling of her bond with Chloe, as she finally recognizes and values Chloe’s individuality and creativity. By being a supportive friend, Mr. Stink also bolsters Chloe’s confidence and individuality, and she decides to continue developing her storytelling. The book’s conclusion of Chloe working on a story about Mr. Stink shows how meaningful the friendship was to her and demonstrates her new confidence in her talents. This act of storytelling also represents Chloe’s transformation throughout the novel, as she uses her voice to reflect on her experiences and honor her relationship with Mr. Stink. Writing becomes both a form of empowerment and a way to process her emotions.

Chloe’s positive impact on Mr. Stink’s life also continues to shine through. Chloe wishes that she could solve all of Mr. Stink’s issues, but he assures her that she has already helped him so much: “‘I just wish I could make everything right,’ said Chloe. ‘But you are making everything right, Miss Chloe. […] You’ve made me smile again. You’ve been so kind to me […] thank you, child. Unimaginable kindness’” (232). This heartfelt exchange encapsulates the transformative power of human connection, emphasizing that even small acts of kindness can have a profound and lasting impact on someone’s life.

Chloe’s compassion has even farther-reaching impacts, as her kindness and open-mindedness has also changed her family’s attitudes. Mrs. Crumb and Chloe’s sister, Annabelle, no longer look down on Mr. Stink. Instead, they are able to look past his appearance and circumstances and realize that he is a caring and interesting person. Mrs. Crumb admits that she was wrong to be cruel to unhoused people and reveals that she will change her ideas if she ever runs for office again. This shift highlights how empathy and personal connections can challenge deeply ingrained prejudices, suggesting that meaningful change often starts on an individual and interpersonal level and highlighting The Harmful Stigma Against Poverty. The Crumbs even include Mr. Stink in their Christmas celebrations and offer him a permanent home in their household. Annabelle shares that Mr. Stink feels “like part of the family” and encourages him to stay (252). The Crumb family’s kindness and unity make Chloe feel happy and secure. She reveals to Mr. Stink, “And you’ve just given my whole family the best Christmas present ever. You brought us together” (260). This resolution emphasizes the text’s recurring message that kindness creates positive change not just for individuals but for entire communities or families.

While Mr. Stink was grateful for the Crumb family’s help, he chooses to continue living as a “wanderer.” This ending adds to the story’s theme of the Individual Experiences of Unhoused People, as it shows that unhoused people have different goals and preferences about their living situations. Mr. Stink’s decision to leave reflects his personal agency and the importance of respecting unhoused individuals’ choices rather than imposing external expectations or policies on their lives. While Chloe’s kindness helped Mr. Stink, it did not solve all of his problems, adding realism to the story with a bittersweet ending. Mr. Stink says, “My work here is done. And I’m a wanderer […] It’s time for me to wander on’” (256).