Easy(1)
What is the narrator doing at the beginning of the story? Where is it happening?
The narrator is sitting on an aluminum chair, breaking off pieces of blue paint with her fingernails. She feels frozen in time and can’t move her cold hands from the frame of the seat; in a party room
How does the music change in the story? Why do you think the writer chose to make this change?
The music changes from fast and energetic to slow and calm. The fast music creates an energetic, wild atmosphere, while the slow music creates a more reflective and quieter mood. The writer likely made this change to show the shift in the narrator’s feelings from being overwhelmed and anxious to feeling more alone and introspective. It helps match the change in the emotional tone of the story.
How does the setting build up the character of the narrator?
The setting, especially the details like the black lights, the linoleum floor, and the glowing eyes, helps show the narrator’s sense of isolation and discomfort. The eerie atmosphere makes her feel disconnected from the party and the people around her.
How does the narrator feel when the mysterious figure approaches?
The narrator feels nervous and scared when the boy comes closer. Her body shakes, and she doesn't want to be noticed, but deep down, she hopes he will see her and ask her to dance.
How did the gril feel when the boy dances with the girl next to her?
The narrator feels left out because the boy asks the girl sitting next to her to dance, not her. This makes her feel lonely and rejected.
Why does the narrator say, "Nobody ever asks me"?
The narrator says this because she feels ignored and lonely. She wants to be noticed and included, but she keeps getting left out, which makes her feel unimportant.
Summarize the story
A girl is at a party and she saw a boy she likes coming towards her. She has complicated feelings because she doesn’t want the boy to realize her love but she is also hoping the boy is coming to ask her to dance. It turns out the boy asks the girl beside her. She is relieved but disappointed.
How does the narrator’s physical reaction to the boy’s approach show her emotions?
The narrator’s shaking, sweating, and dry mouth show how nervous and scared she is when the boy approaches. These physical reactions highlight her anxiety and fear, even though deep down, she hopes he will notice her and ask her to dance.
What is the conflict in this story?
The conflict in this story is internal and emotional. The narrator struggles with feelings of loneliness and rejection. She longs for connection and wants to be noticed by the boy, but she is ignored, which intensifies her sense of isolation. This conflict between her desire for attention and her fear of being rejected creates the emotional tension throughout the story.