We will be reading three short stories that all have to do with the topic of identity. Who are the main characters? What are they like? What has or is influencing them to become who they are? These are all questions that you should consider as you read.

Each story has a slightly different approach to our topic. They are as follows:

  1. Two Kinds, by Amy Tan
  2. The Lesson, by Toni Cade Bambara
  3. On the Rainy River, by Tim O’Brien

If you were absent, you will need to get a copy of the story from me, unless linked.

“Two Kinds” Amy Tan

Like all the stories in the book, "Two Kinds" is concerned with the complex relationships between mothers and daughters.

  1. List adjectives that describe the narrator, Jing-Mei?
  2. Describe the relationship between Jing-Mei and her mother?
  3. Create a list of pros and cons for the mother.  In other words, list ways mom might be a little overbearing and other ways mom is trying to be a good mom.  Use specific examples.
  4. How does the narrator envision herself in paragraph 9?
  5. When the narrator looks in the mirror, she discovers “the prodigy side,” a face she had never seen before.  What do you think she is discovering? (19)
  6. How do you think the events of the story influenced the narrators identity?
  7. Think of an embarrassing moment in your life or an instance of someone controlling how you should be.  How did that moment(s) affect you?

“The Lesson”  ToniCade Bambara

Toni Cade Bambara

Toni Cade Bambara

  1. On page 4, why does the narrator feel ashamed?
  2. On page 5, the narrator says “And I’m jealous and want to hit her. Maybe not, but I sure want to punch somebody in the mouth.” What does she mean?
  3. According to Miss Moore, what defines you? What does she think you have to do? (2nd to last graph on 5)
  4. What will the narrator be thinking about when she is alone at the end?
  5. What is the lesson?
  6. Is Miss Moore a good teacher? Explain

“On the Rainy River” Tim O’brien

The Rainy River in Minnesota

The Rainy River in Minnesota

  1. Explain the financial metaphor about courage that O’Brien uses on the bottom of page 43 and top of 44. You might have to look up some of the terms.
  2. Describe the importance of the narrator’s job at the meatpacking plant (p.46)?
  3. What are the narrator’s choices?
  4. What “seemed so impossible and terrible and sad”? (p. 54)
  5. What influences the narrator? Can he escape his identity?
  6. Explain the last paragraph of the story, especially the last two sentences.