Charachter comparison
Discussion Questions for Anne Tyler’s “Teenage Wasteland.”
Your answers must be written as complete sentences AND written to someone who has read the story but does NOT have access to the questions. One way of accomplishing this is to use wording from the question in your answer. Do not simply copy the question and then follow with an answer.
Type your document in Times New Roman 12 pt. font. Make sure that your full name is at the top of the page.
It may be easiest to include your answers for this story and for the Amy Tan story, “Two Kinds,” in the same document. E-mail if you have questions. JC
1. How does the imagery in the story’s opening paragraph set the tone (and perhaps hint at a theme) for the story?
2. Who is the story’s protagonist (main character)? List the protagonist’s strengths and weaknesses.
3. Who – or what – may be considered an antagonist to the protagonist?
4. How does the initial description of Cal – as well as information gained about Cal later in the story – provide readers with some insight (even foreshadowing) of events to come?
5. Re-read the part of the story when the teacher calls to talk with Daisy about Donny’s grades, and Daisy tells her to talk with Cal. What is your reaction to Daisy’s responses?
6. Re-read the story’s ending paragraphs. Why might there be a sudden shift to the narrator using present tense verbs?
7. Whom, or what, is to blame for Donny’s poor attitudes, rebelliousness, and his running away?
8. What characteristics – positive or negative – does Daisy possess that most parents possess to some degree?
9. What “lessons” might readers – particularly parents – gain from reading Tyler’s story?
Your answers must be written as complete sentences AND written to someone who has read the story but does NOT have access to the questions. One way of accomplishing this is to use wording from the question in your answer. Do not simply copy the question and then follow with an answer.
Type your document in Times New Roman 12 pt. font. Make sure that your full name is at the top of the page.
It may be easiest to include your answers for this story and for the Amy Tan story, “Two Kinds,” in the same document. E-mail if you have questions. JC
1. How does the imagery in the story’s opening paragraph set the tone (and perhaps hint at a theme) for the story?
2. Who is the story’s protagonist (main character)? List the protagonist’s strengths and weaknesses.
3. Who – or what – may be considered an antagonist to the protagonist?
4. How does the initial description of Cal – as well as information gained about Cal later in the story – provide readers with some insight (even foreshadowing) of events to come?
5. Re-read the part of the story when the teacher calls to talk with Daisy about Donny’s grades, and Daisy tells her to talk with Cal. What is your reaction to Daisy’s responses?
6. Re-read the story’s ending paragraphs. Why might there be a sudden shift to the narrator using present tense verbs?
7. Whom, or what, is to blame for Donny’s poor attitudes, rebelliousness, and his running away?
8. What characteristics – positive or negative – does Daisy possess that most parents possess to some degree?
9. What “lessons” might readers – particularly parents – gain from reading Tyler’s story?