Now, he is faced with assimilating himself back into school after being away for nearly eight months, where it seems he never has enough time to catch up with his peers. ... Unlike his wife, he places all his attention on his broken son which drives their marriage closer to its death. ... By using this method, the reader is able to hear the thoughts of two different characters and how they perceive events. ... The plot structure of the novel is a very important element to Guest's technique, it leaves the reader questioning the past. ... This further drives the reader to seek more answers ...

• Word Count: 2059
• Approx Pages: 8
• Grade Level: High School

In their conversation, the author leads the reader to understand that Elisa is a mellow, passive housewife who has much of her attention diverted away from her husband and toward her chrysanthemums. ... After several attempts and offers the man was going to turn away and leave but he catches a glimpse of the chrysanthemums and suddenly thereafter, their conversation makes a quick turn and heads toward another direction. ... Notice how Steinbeck describes how Elisa's irritated face has vanished as a result from the stranger's question, which is Elisa's interest. ... This momen...

• Word Count: 1566
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School