1a. Why is Lottie better prepared financially for old age than Bess?
2a. As Lottie grows up, what becomes her most precious possession?
3a. When Lottie buys a house, what does she do with the rooms she feels she doesn't need?
4a. Identify the ways in which Lottie has denied herself happiness.
5a. Which sister has the better philosophy of life, Lottie or Bess?
1b. What formative events caused Lottie to begin saving?
2b. Why does Lottie resent Bess?
3b. In what way does Lottie's closing rooms of the house mirror what she is doing to herself?
4b. Why does Lottie tell Bess, "I know I'm too old to kick up my heels, but I'm going to let you show me how"?
5b. What is your philosophy of life as it relates to money management?
Theme. What do you believe is the story's theme?
1. Imagine you are Lottie. Write a letter to your sister Bess telling her what you resent about her.
2. Imagine that you are Bess and that you are still abroad. Write Lottie a postcard describing what you have been up to. Explain why you will be coming to visit your sister.
3. Imagine you are Lottie. Write a journal entry explaining the transformation of your life philosophy. How did you used to live? How do you want to live now? Name specific things you would like to do.
Tone. Rewrite the following sentences from the story to give each a completely different tone from what it has now.
1. As soon as anyone would hire her, Lottie put herself to work.
2. She would show them all what she could do, if she put her mind to it.
3. Lottie expected to be settled with a home and family, while Bess was still waiting for Harry to earn enough to buy a marriage license.
4. Lottie, trapped by the blood tie, knew she would not only have to send for her sister, but take her in when she returned.
5. She would let Bess have her room, but the mattress was so lumpy, the carpet so worn, the curtains so threadbare that Lottie's conscience pricked her.
Writing Creatively.Lottie takes responsibility for her life by saving for her old age. Write about a fictitious character who takes responsibility for his or her life in another way. See page 657 of your text for more details.
