Before Reading
Begin to Picture the Setting
Read the Prereading page and examine the art on page 573. Based on what you read and see, begin to imagine the setting of the story. What kind of feeling do you get about this place based on its title, "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place"?
During Reading
Create a Mind Movie
1. Listen as your teacher reads the first paragraph of the story. Add details to your mind movie. Involve all of your senses in the mind movie.
2. Continue reading on your own. As you read, continue making a mind movie. Try to hear the tone of voice of the two waiters and see how they act as they speak. When you are done, make quick sketches or write a brief summary to explain what you saw in your mind movie.
Fix-Up Idea: Read Aloud
Because much of this story is dialogue, it may be helpful to read the story aloud. Work with a partner. One of you can start reading the story. When you get to dialogue, read the words of the first person. Have your partner read the words of the second person. Alternate lines until you get to narration again. Continue this way throughout the story.
After Reading
Share Your Mind Movie
With a few of your classmates, share your sketches or your summary of your mind movie. What reactions did you have to the two waiters? How did you feel about the old man?