Clarence Major's "Five Years Ago" (title, centered)
Reading and Reacting (subtitle, flush with left margin)
1. Identify some common subthemes reflected in the story,
such as distrust, disrespect, etc. What is the primary or
main theme reflected in the story? How do familial
relationships help to convey the main theme?
2. Describe the relationship between Ophelia and her father, Barry Stanton.
3. Describe the relationship between Mother Zoe and her granddaughter,
Ophelia.
4. What is Mother Zoe's attitude toward Ophelia's mother, Pandora Lowell?
How does Mother Zoe's attitude toward Pandora impact the relationship
between Barry and Pandora? Explain.
5. Why, in your opinion, is there a chasm in the relationship between Ophelia
and her father? Are Mother Zoe and her family to blame or is Ophelia's father
to blame?
6. Is Ophelia's "intimate" approach to getting to know her father appropriate or
inappropriate? Explain why Ophelia feels a need to approach her father in an
intimate manner.
7. How does Ophelia's relationship with Austin, Ophelia's husband, contribute
to the manner in which she approaches her father regarding her
accomplishments? Explain.
8. Describe the relationship between Ophelia's mother and father. Does their
relationship impact Barry's relationship with his daughter, Ophelia? Explain?
9. Is the relationship between Barry and his daughter, Ophelia, more meaningful
and stable after his visit? Is there a true relationship developing? Explain.
10. When Ophelia's father leaves after the last visit, does his absence reflect his
usual attitude toward his daughter? What is his attitude toward his daughter?
Explain.
11. What, in your opinion, is the main idea of the story? What is the most
important lesson you learned from the story?
12. Did you truly enjoy the story? Why or why not?
Five Years Ago
Reading and Reacting
1. The common subthemes in the story include family dynamics, communication issues, and the impact of past wounds on present relationships. The primary theme is the importance of forgiveness and healing in familial relationships. Familial relationships help convey this main theme by showcasing how past hurts and misunderstandings can hinder the growth of relationships.
2. Ophelia and her father, Barry Stanton, have a strained relationship filled with emotional distance and unresolved issues. Barry struggles to connect with Ophelia on an emotional level, resulting in a lack of understanding between the two.
3. The relationship between Mother Zoe and her granddaughter, Ophelia, is one of unconditional love and support. Mother Zoe acts as a source of wisdom and stability for Ophelia, offering guidance and comfort in times of need.
4. Mother Zoe harbors resentment towards Pandora Lowell, Ophelia's mother, which impacts the relationship between Barry and Pandora. Mother Zoe's negative attitude towards Pandora creates tension between the two families and adds to the existing rift between Ophelia and her father.
5. The chasm in the relationship between Ophelia and her father is a result of both parties' inability to communicate effectively and address past grievances. While Mother Zoe's influence plays a role in the strained relationship, both Ophelia and her father share responsibility for the disconnect.
6. Ophelia's intimate approach to getting to know her father is appropriate in the context of seeking reconciliation and understanding. Ophelia feels a need to connect with her father on a deeper level to bridge the emotional gap between them.
7. Ophelia's relationship with her husband, Austin, impacts the way she approaches her father regarding her accomplishments. Austin's support and encouragement give Ophelia the confidence to share her achievements with her father and seek validation from him.
8. The relationship between Ophelia's parents, Barry and Pandora, is characterized by unresolved issues and emotional distance. Their strained relationship impacts Barry's relationship with his daughter, Ophelia, as he struggles to prioritize his family over past grievances.
9. After Barry's visit, his relationship with Ophelia shows signs of improvement and growth. A true connection begins to develop as both parties open up emotionally and work towards understanding and forgiveness.
10. Barry's departure reflects his usual attitude towards his daughter, marked by emotional detachment and difficulty expressing his feelings. Despite this, Barry harbors a deep love for Ophelia, as shown by his efforts to reach out to her.
11. The main idea of the story is the importance of forgiveness and healing in familial relationships. The most important lesson learned is the power of communication and understanding in overcoming past hurts and building meaningful connections.
12. Personal opinion will vary, but the story's exploration of complex family dynamics and emotional growth makes it a thought-provoking and engaging read for those interested in interpersonal relationships.