E12 Invitations

Small-group discussion questions. Choose appropriate words and phrases for “ ”:

1. Describe the main character- use specific  

    adjectives, descriptive words.

static character (doesn't change), introverted, alone, living alone, single, secluded, in her own space, new to the neighborhood, newcomer, outsider, outcast?, not happy?, isolated

-the invitations make anxious, nervous 

self-doubt?

uncertainty

observant, detail-oriented

thoughful

imaginative- plays out the scenarios in her mind

daydreamer

bored?

while reading - focussed, enjoying her book, relief, relaxed, peaceful, serene, comfortable, lost in a book, in her own world

2. What attracts her about each of the invitations?

First - art gallery, opening -"pleased to get invited"

Second - cocktail party - 'friend of a friend"

Third - buffet supper

Fourth - formal dinner - "meeting you for years"

VCC- culinary school dinners

Fifth - gala, to honour her

3. Why does she choose as she does

felt "directly threatened"

scared

something is going to take up "portion of her life"

conspiracy to take her time away

thief - stealing from her

missing something - 

want to enjoy her loneliness solitude

feels insecure leaving home

lack of confidence

"a house cat"

a homebody

scared "trembling...with fear"

4. How does the narrative point-of-view shift in          the final four paragraphs of the story?

camera of the story- outside her mind, outside the apartment , on the outside looking in, street level

people passing by- 

MY SPEAKING NOTES

-plot is contrived, obvious not supposed to be real

-funny details to signal the scenario is not meant to be taken as realistic

-not ridiculous or to be dismissed as silly, Carol Shields is in control, story is deep

Mansfield Park theme about social behaviour, social norms

“sitting in an armchair with a book and feeling loneliness drink her drop by drop”

“how much easier… “ (28)

“seeing them as an opportunity to possess… spun-out wastes of time” (28)

Wed invit.,  buffet, ridiculous guests

“we know you by reputation… meeting you for years” (29) Who is it?

Friday gala

-each invitation grander than the previous, imagining grander outfits

light, funny, ridiculous so far, read along enjoying

story, takes serious turn, pivots

“trembling not with excitement but with fear” (30)

“felt… directly threatened… conspiring to consume a portion of her life”

-stay in reading “warm quality of very old gold”

symbolic of her now peaceful state of mind, calm
serene, at peace


SWITCH NARRATIVE POINT OF VIEW- talk about point of view

cinematic image of woman at window, camera

“twist of pain… nostalgia for their childhood… bonded to the books”

Why does this woman want to stay home?

- interpreted as story about societal norms

- I see it as a story about an introverted woman