Reference no: EM133427470

1. From what point of view is the story told?
2. In the opening conversation between John and his wife, what seems to be the source of his wife's unhappiness?
3. A rhetorical question is asked, not to exact a reply, but to achieve a rhetorical emphasis stronger than a direct statement. What rhetorical
questions does John's wife ask and what is she implying?
4. Write down two different concrete images from page 367 which help to express the wife's sense of isolation and loneliness.
5. Describe John's character based on the first three pages of the story. What blind spot does he have?
6. What does Ann decide to do in John's absence?
7. Why does Ann want John to shave?
8. In the silence of the house, what does Ann hope the painting of the woodwork will prevent?
9. Why will spring not be a genuine change from winter after all?
10.Why will John not hire a man to help with the chores in the spring?
11.What irony exists in John's dogged determination to work so hard on Ann's
behalf?
12.Does Ann understand John's sacrifice for her? Offer evidence for your opinion.
13.What does Ann feel is happening to them as they grow old?
14.What figure of speech is used in the description of the snow on page 372?
15.Explain how the setting on pages 372-373 contributes to Ann's mood and situation.
16."In such a storm even a mile was enough to make a man hesitate. Especially Steven who, for all his attractive qualities, was hardly the one to face a blizzard for the sake of someone else's chores." What does this comment reveal about Steven?
17.What does Ann's attempt to do John's chores reveal?
18.What is the author emphasizing when he describes Steven's face as "lean, still-boyish"?
19.In what sense does Ann feel that Steven is an "inevitability" (378)?

20.Lying beside the sleeping Steven, Ann believes she has dreamed that John has come into the bedroom. Describe the expression on John's face as Ann thinks that she saw it.
21.When Ann fully awakens and moves about the kitchen, how does she feel about sleeping with Steven and how does she feel about her marriage?
22.Why does Ann repeat the following sentence: "John was the man"?
23.What terrible truth is revealed in the last line? How might Ann be affected by what she sees?
24.What is the theme(s) of this story?