Eight Plus One: Stories Lesson Plan

How does the way Mike feels about his grandmother change over the course of the story?

Students should trace Mike’s character development using quotes from the text to illustrate his feelings and thoughts. Notice how introspective Cormier chooses to make his narrator: there are multiple points at which Mike explains exactly what he’s feeling, or tries to. Sometimes, he discusses how his feelings are confusing and difficult to put to words. What prompts changes in how he feels? What role does this play in your overall interpretation of the story and its theme? None of these questions need clear, definitive answers—note the story’s theme of acknowledging a lack of...