American Short Story critical brief
- How is Charlie a living representative of the era during which the story is set—the early 1930s? Offer examples from the text.
- To what degree is Charlie ready, or not ready, to put the “bad old days” firmly behind him, for the sake of having his daughter returned to his care? Explain.
- Using this story as a lens through which to view the human experience of love, is there any cause for hope? Explain.
- Identify two quotes (no more than three sentences each) that might serve as the story’s primary theme; explicate them—that is, take them apart and explain how they work and what they mean.
- Which character do you believe is more worthy of trust—Charlie or his sister-in-law, Marion. Explain.