As for confusion



Mirror Image by Lena Coakly

Focus Term: Allusion – in a literary work, an allusion is a reference to another literary work; it can also be a reference to a person, place, event or object from history, literature, or mythology.

Class Discussion:

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Terms Questions:

1. Fully describe the setting.

2. Identify the point of view. Why might the author choose this style over another?

3. What is the allusion in this story?

4. Who is the protagonist? Is the character realistic/believable?

5. The plot does not unravel in a chronological or linear fashion, but rather uses flashbacks. What is the purpose of using this type of technique?

6. In your own words, what is the theme of this story? Remember, a theme is not stated in a word, but should be a general statement. The theme statement should be general, and then proved with specific evidence from the story.

Comprehension Questions:

7. Why wouldn’t Jenny allow her sister to read her diary anymore? (This can be an opinion, but must be backed up with evidence from the story).

8. Why does Mrs. Jarrod believe Alice is still her daughter Gail?

When answering the questions, always do 4 things:

1. Use key words from the questions in your answer.

2. Write in complete sentences, and use names not pronouns.

3. Back up what you are saying with evidence from the story.

4. Be sure that any information you use from the story is copied correctly.

Sample Answer:

1. Fully describe the setting.

The key word is setting.

The setting of this story is in Toronto; when Alice and Jenny are arguing, Alice mentions she still has the same memories of moving to Toronto. The story takes place in the future, as science has advanced enough to do a brain transplant successfully. The mood is suspenseful, as the reader doesn’t really know what is happening for part of the story until the gaps are filled in, and also somewhat somber as this young girl struggles with her identity after the accident.

2. Identify the point of view. Why might the author choose this style over another?

Key words are point of view, author, and style.

The point of view the author uses is 3rd person limited (ordinary) as she simply tells the story as an outside narrator, and the thoughts and motivations of all the characters are not revealed; also, no-one in the story tells their own story which would be first person. The author might have chosen this style because she wanted it to be more objective, and allow the readers to form their own opinions of what multiple characters are thinking and going through in the story. Third person is also easier to move around in a timeline, transitioning smoothly between past and present tense.

3. What is the allusion in this story?

The key word is allusion.

The allusion in this story is to the literary classic "Alice in Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll. Coakley specifically chooses the name Alice because of the similarities to the main character in Carroll's story also undergoes a strange transformation and questions her identity. In "Alice in Wonderland," Alice grows and shrinks and its no wonder she is confused about who and where she really is, while Alice in "Mirror Image" undergoes a a brain transplant and also struggles with who she is.

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