"The Metaphor," by Budge Wilson

Biography of The Author:  


Budge Wilson was born in Nova Scotia. She attended Dalhousie University and the University of Toronto,
then went on to write thirty-three books. She has received twenty-three Children's Book Centre "Our Choice" selection awards, as well as writing the centennial prequel to "Anne of Green Gables,""Before Green Gables." In 2004, she received the Order of Canada reward, a reward given to those Canadians who   have, in the words of the Government website, "Enriched the lives of others and made a difference in this country."


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Response: 


Q: Why did Miss Hancock get along well in Junior High, but have so much difficulty in Senior High?
A: Because Ms. Hancock relied on her students eagerness to learn and varying degrees of maturity and immaturity to keep order in her classroom. Her demeanour required enthusiasm to flourish, and in high school there is a lack of this attitude among many students. Also, the lack of the student's respect was a problem to Miss Hancock, due to her 'differences' from more orthodox teachers.

Q: Is Charlotte right in blaming herself for Miss Hancock's death? Would being more friendly to Miss Hancock at senior high have made any difference?
A: Although Charlotte is not responsible for Miss Hancock's death, she defiantly could've been friendlier towards her old teacher. Her attitude was one of sacrificing an old friendship for a small slice of notoriety.

Q: How were the metaphorical descriptions similar to the actual characters of a), Charlotte's mother, and b) Miss Hancock?
A: In the metaphorical descriptions of Charlotte's mother, she is described as being very orthodox and
strict. As the story describes her, these character features are very evident. Miss Hancock's metaphorical description as a eloquent cake also fits her description.

Q: What do you think was the author's main purpose for writing this story? Discuss.
A: To point out the changing demeanor of students as they age, and try to fit in. Also, to extrapolate the teacher's attitude and style and how this effects the student's reactions and their learning environment.

Critical Thinking Questions: 


I: Why do you think the author wrote the text?
A: To show how student's demeanour towards teachers changes as they age, and how the teacher's style affects the learning environment of the classroom.

II: What does the author want you to think?
A: The author wishes the reader to see the relationship between teachers and students as constructive but have the possibility to implode due to the student's desire to "fit in."

III: Do you belong to any of the groups in the text?
A: First of all, I do not like to classify people in 'groups,' and therefore I would not instinctively place myself in one, however i would say I would be more likely to have a friendship with teachers rather than my fellow students.

IV: Does the story remind you of a real-life event (your own or others)?
A: None that I know or know of, however I do see how this could be applicable to a large percentage of the population.

V: Does the story remind you of another book or movie on a similar topic?
A: Nothing comes to mind.

VI: How does the story help you think about social issues and social justice?
A: The story is incitive of the problematic communication situation between many students and their teachers. About social justice, well, that doesn't seem to apply to  this story.

VII: What action(s) might you take from what you have learned?
A: I already have a good relationship with many of my teachers, however if I did not I would make an effort to be more friendly towards them.

VIII: What big question has this text left you with?
A: This text has not left me with any questions.