Hello, Good Mayberry Fans (and is there another kind?), In regards as to why Opie just allowed the other young boy to beat him out of that job, I do believe that Dana's darling person hit the nail right on the head. Watching the entire episode, we do see that Andy starts out by taking perhaps just a bit too much pride in his son, which can be understandable when you have such a good child as Opie. This creates the moral dilemma of our show which all "Andy's" have and its proper resolution. I can also see why Opie would know the other boy would rather believe he won the contest rather than having a "rich" kid just hand it over to him on a platter. Opie was very mature for his age and, I think, Opie understood that while the other boy was not ashamed of his situation (as indeed he had no reason to be), most people want a helping hand, not a hand-out. There's a difference. So it would be important to the other boy to believe he had gotten the job through "honest" competition; not just because Opie felt sorry for him. In the end, Opie's awareness of this made Andy even prouder of him. But it was the good kind of pride--the kind that is deep in a parent's heart when you realize that the little boy you have raised has indeed grown into a fine man. No need to rush out and tell the neighbors about this. It is evident to anyone who meets Opie and has enough wisdom himself to recognize true goodness. . The world is better because of the young boy Andy brought up is in it. And that is indeed the finest compliment any parent can hope to receive. Lydia, I'm just a clerk, but me and Laura Lee Hobbs do think on occasions--when we ain't out looking for gold trucks "You're my little boy. And I love you just for that."
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