FLAMINGO WRITERS
FLAMINGO WRITERS
American Stories: REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION
Here are questions to consider for discussion and reflection about these American Stories.
What are your impressions of nursing homes? Have you ever visited one?
Does this story remind you of any other institution?
The story refers to another institution--the Seabees. Is the story suggesting that large groups who are organized within an institution are mindless? What is the difference between being in a nursing home and being in the military?
Nursing homes for the elderly are generally regarded as human warehouses in America. The story capitalizes on this perception. Is this a fair assessment?
Today there are many other options for the elderly who require assistance that give residents independence. What are some of these options?
In the story, the nursing home residents take matters into their own hands. Could this be a particularly American theme? Why?
How would you define the "blue fog" that the boy sees in the living room?
In the story, no one has a name. What effect does this create? What other aspects of the way the story is told contribute to an effect?
There are many examples of American popular culture in this story. Popular culture refers to anything the masses have or do or desire. What are some of these things in this story?
What inconsistencies can you find in the way the story presents television shows, advertisements and the news?
A child's point of view is used throughout much of the story. How does this point of view contribute to its meaning?
What inconsistencies exist between the way the child is treated and the way the family behaves?
What do you think of television shows, advertisements, and news?
PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST AS A YOUNG CYNIC: TRANSITIONS
What is cynical about this story?
Why would its author call it a portrait of a young artist?
What is American about this story? Is there more than one typically American theme?
The story is written as an internal monologue--originally, according to the author--conceived as diary entries. Short stories require writers to compress their ideas into a short space. Does the use of internal monologue accomplish its aim of portraying a major transition? How does the story use detail to flesh out the story of Napal Senntoyo's life?
THE BALLAD OF THE URBAN PSYCHO
This story is written in internal monologue form as well. Does it seem realistically written? Could someone have such thoughts? Do you think all the thoughts of the Urban Psycho actually happened?
Do you think some students are unreasonably picked on in school? Do you agree or disagree with the Psycho's final assessment of the problems of guns and violence in our schools today? What do you think causes such calamities?
Home Contents Contributors Writer in Residence VOICES Events&Links Discussion&Reflection Creative Ideas Archive What is a FLAMINGO WRITER?