9. Lines 251–252: What is the significance of “the last Tuesday of October, 1929”?
What changes occurred on this day in history? Hint: The W _ _ S _ r _ _ C _ _
_ _ (0ct. 1929) Think-Pair-Share: Explain the significance of this event in world
history.
10. Lines 279–292: Summarize how the world has changed. What is the effect on
Tom?
11. Lines 319–330: What happens to Tom’s mother? What clues in the text allow
readers to make this inference?
12. Lines 377–381: Why does the hospital feel to Tom as if it is underwater? What is
significant about these images of the sea?
13. Lines 408–429: What earlier scene is echoed in these lines? What does this
suggest about Tom’s feelings as he watches Fran tend to the new born babies?
What theme does it suggest?
14. Lines 436–441: What clues in these lines suggest that the climax of the story is
near?
15. Lines 479–495: What are examples of colour imagery in these lines? What do
these colours symbolise in Tom’s imagination?
16. Lines 563–564: Interpret the reference to a “trapdoor” under Tom’s feet.
Personal Refection: Oral Activity
Throughout the story, Tom Struggles with the fear that he will die young.
How does Tom resolve this conflict at the end of the story? Do you find
this short story resolution (ending) effective? Think – Pair - Share
Some Conversation Starters:
Living with the fear that he will die young, Tom resolves to live a long life
rather than a short life that is worth living.
* Does this cause him to live a life that is not worth living, due to the
overly protective approach of his mother?
* Tom had to make the choice between living a long, boring life, or living
life to the fullest, even if he dies young. Which did he choose and do you
think was it worth it?
* Does he regret not choosing to live a joyful life with Ruby or not?
* Was Tom’s resolution is based on fear? Has he failed to understand
what the meaning of life is for us all or did the best he could with his
life?
* What is the effective moral resolution of the narrative?
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