Directions
Preparing for the Response
Read and annotate the Theme stories and watch the Theme PowerPoint before beginning this response.
Completing the Journal
Write 1 developed paragraph (at least 5-7 sentences) on each of this week’s stories (3 paragraphs total). Use the following questions to help you develop the paragraphs. You may write more about each story if you wish.
“This Is What It Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona” tells the story of a boyhood friendship that ended and then begins again, as Victor and Thomas reconnect while traveling to Phoenix to wind up the estate of Victor’s father, who recently died. Though the two seem to become quite close during the trip, at the end, Thomas tells Victor that he knows they won’t be friends now that they are back home, and Victor agrees. Instead, all Thomas asks of Victor is “Just one time when I’m telling a story somewhere, why don’t you stop and listen?” (Alexie 14). Why can’t the two remain friends? Is it either man’s fault, or is it just the world they live in? What do you think Alexie is saying about the nature of friendship through his story?
“The Veldt” was published in 1950, but its characters’ obsession with technology, convenience, and virtual reality is still quite relevant today. After seeing the negative effects technology is having on his family, the father tells his children he is getting rid of their high-tech smart home so they all can “really start living. Instead of being handled and massaged, we’re going to live” (Bradbury 12). The children, Peter and Wendy, respond with hysteria, then rebellion, and finally violence. Are the indulgent parents to blame for their children’s behavior? Or is it the fault of the technology that surrounds them? What warnings do you think Bradbury is making through the tragic events of the story?
At the beginning of “An Hour With Abuelo,” Arturo is reluctant to visit his grandfather in assisted living and only relents when his mother pleads with him for “just one hour, una hora” (Colfer 1). By the end, Arturo gains a new perspective on his grandfather after discovering the hardships that Abuelo overcame. However, he soon realizes that Abuelo does not need his attention: In fact, Abuelo has taken time out of his busy schedule to see Arturo and is happy to get back to his own life when the hour is over. Do you think this story contains a message for young people about appreciating their elders or a message to older people about maintaining their independence? In terms of your own experience, do you identify more with Arturo or Abuelo?
Expectations for the Journal
In this journal, you will not be graded on grammar, punctuation, format, or structure. Its purpose is to help you to think about the stories in a low-stress format.
You will receive full credit as long as you make an honest attempt to answer the prompts and meet the stated length requirement.
If there is anything else you want to write in addition to the given questions, feel free to do so!
Last Completed Projects
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