Brainstorm the following prompts, one at a time (i.e.,
without thinking too much, provide brief one- or two-word responses to each
prompt):
Recall that “Friend of My Youth” is a frame
narrative. So too is “Five Points.” Describe the latter’s framing
structure.
Look at the transitional first sentences in paragraphs on
pages 29, 32, and 38. How are they effective?
What do the Brenda and Maria stories have in
common?
At what points do Maria’s two lives collide? (Identify
specific passages.)
What about Brenda’s two
lives—with Cornelius and with Neil?
Comment on the following pairings:
Explain first how the two items of each pairing are related. Then compare the
first and second pairing. In other words, in what ways is the connection between
store and shed similar to (and/or different from) the connection between Cornelius
and Neil?
What does the story’s conclusion tell us about Brenda’s and
Neil’s relationship?
Identify compelling descriptive passages and try to explain why they are effective.