- How does this method of telling the story affect the reader's response?
- What advantages and disadvantages does this method of narrative offer?
I think that this method does in fact change the reader's response. It allows the reader to get a more detailed perspective on the incident which changes the lives of the characters in the book. It lets us get to know them on a deeper level and gives us a varied perspective. As far as advantages and disadvantages... Personally, I do like this method. However, some do not. I recently wrote a story which used a similar method and it wasn't received as like I hope it would be. People called my style muddled and confusing. I think that some people might call this method confusing but I do like it, personally speaking. Lastly, we get more information about the event by getting several people's account of the event.
2. Many teenagers drink and then drive without thinking about the consequences.
- How is Andy like many young people today?
- How is he different?
- What makes this book more than just a moral warning to readers about drinking and driving?
Andy is sometimes thoughtless and not mindful of others... Better said, Andy is kind of selfish. When he commits suicide, he is being selfish. At that point, he isn't thinking about anyone but himself. While many teens do care about others, I feel like a trademark of all people is that they are naturally selfish. Andy is too. He is different on the other hand in that he never forgives himself. He takes this harder than most and suffers because of the guilt. I can imagine that anyone who kills thier best friend would have a rough time but not like this. This book isn't a moral warning in the least. It may cause people to think about it, it goes deeper than that. It explores the thoughts and minds of the characters in this book. It harps on feelings, not on how wrong it was to drink and drive.
6. Andy's family had many problems. Andy's parents loved him, but seemed preoccupied with their own lives and were helpless to see his pain. Andy could talk to his younger brother, Monty but the six-year-old was unable to help with Andy's problems./
- How can families learn to cope effectively with tragedy and difficulties?
- How could Andy's family have dealt more successfully with Andy's situation?
I think that families really need to be honest. Andy wasn't honest. His pain was so great and he masked it because that was easier for him than sharing with everyone. In a sense, that was a way for him to save others from the pain and to save himself as well. To be honest, however, a person has to be realistic. There was no way that Andy could have improved as much and as quickly as his parents wanted him to. He lost best friend because HE killed him. They had unrealistic goals for their son, and didn't attempt to read between the lines or to see the heart of the issue from Andy's perspective. I think if they had stopped and really, truly considered the situation they might have been able to help him more. When his grades started to decline they should have been concerned and asked him if he was okay. They should never have threatened to punish him. Also, I think that maybe family counseling would have been optimal. That sounds a little strange I know- but the event( the crash) that Andy was involved in effected everyone in the family, not just Andy. Andy was partly responsible for lying, but I think that it was the parent's responsibility to read between the lines.
So, that's it for now. This is getting really long and I need to go.
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