Characters
Who was Aileen?
A waitress who worked at Bogle's, known for her beauty and charm.
What was the name of the restaurant where Tildy worked?
Bogle's Family Restaurant.
Where is Bogle's Family Restaurant located?
On Eighth Avenue.
How did Tildy feel before Mr. Seeders kissed her?
She felt unnoticed, unappreciated, and lonely.
What does Tildy’s moment of happiness reveal about her character?
She deeply craves love and validation, even from small gestures.
Who is Tildy’s friend?
Aileen is Tildy's friend and co-worker.
What happened when Mr. Seeders drank too much?
He put his arm around Tildy and kissed her.
How was the restaurant described?
It had twelve tables, six on each side, and was noisy with many customers.
What was Tildy's reaction to Aileen's black eye?
She thought it was “wonderful” to have a black eye from love.
Why was the kiss important to Tildy?
It symbolized, for her, a moment of being seen and desired, something she had never experienced.
Who kissed Tildy?
Mr. Seeders, a small, thin man who worked in an office.
How did Tildy feel after being kissed by Mr. Seeders?
She felt happy and excited, believing she could be loved like Aileen.
What was Tildy’s role in the restaurant?
She was a waitress who served the customers.
How did Mr. Seeders feel when he apologized to Tildy?
He was embarrassed and uncomfortable.
How does Aileen’s reaction to Tildy’s kiss reveal societal attitudes?
Aileen's teasing shows how society often values beauty and dismisses deeper emotional needs.
What was Bogle’s role in the restaurant?
Bogle was the owner of the restaurant and sat at the desk collecting money.
What did Mr. Seeders say when he returned to the restaurant after the kiss?
He apologized to Tildy, saying it was because of the drink and he didn’t mean it.
How did the customers react to Aileen?
They admired her, and many waited just to see her, often giving her gifts.
How did Tildy’s self-image change after the kiss?
She felt beautiful and confident, dressing in brighter clothes and feeling taller.
What does the kiss from Mr. Seeders represent in the story?
It represents Tildy’s fleeting hope for love and validation, though it is quickly taken away.
How did Aileen react to Tildy being kissed?
Aileen teased her, jokingly saying she needed to watch Tildy to keep her men.
How did Tildy react after Mr. Seeders apologized?
She ran into the kitchen and cried, realizing the kiss meant nothing to him.
How did the atmosphere change for Tildy after the kiss?
Tildy felt like she was part of the attention and admiration Aileen received.
What did Tildy do when Mr. Seeders apologized?
She broke down crying, realizing she was not truly loved or admired.
How does the story explore the theme of self-worth?
Tildy’s self-worth is tied to external validation, and the story shows her emotional collapse when that validation proves false.