Patrick lived in Emoryville, but every Saturday morning he rode two city buses to his uncle’s bookstore in Northview where he worked. He didn’t mind the commute because he loved his job. He loved spending time with his uncle, but he also loved going to work because he had become friends with Andrew, one of his co-workers. The boys would talk about everything from baseball scores to movies to favorite pizza toppings.

Question

Patrick lived in Emoryville, but every Saturday morning he rode two city buses to his uncle’s bookstore in Northview where he worked. He didn’t mind the commute because he loved his job. He loved spending time with his uncle, but he also loved going to work because he had become friends with Andrew, one of his co-workers. The boys would talk about everything from baseball scores to movies to favorite pizza toppings.

So this Saturday, when Patrick got to work, he and Andrew got to talking as they always did.

“Hey, Pat,” Andrew said casually.

“Hey,” said Patrick. “Did you have a good week?”

“Yeah,” he said. “Great week. My basketball team made it into the semifinals. The game is tonight. We’re playing Emoryville, our nemesis.”

Before Patrick could say another word, Andrew continued. “I don’t like Emoryville. I don’t think I could ever be friends with someone from that town. Our schools are such rivals.”

Patrick was speechless.

“Where are you from, Pat? I can’t believe I’ve never asked you that before!”

Patrick fumbled over his words. “Not too far from here,” he said before he quickly changed the subject to the new shipment of graphic novels

Write a paragraph explaining the structure of the story and how the structure contributed to the meaning of the story

Answer 1

The structure of the story follows a linear narrative, focusing on Patrick’s weekly routine of commuting to his uncle’s bookstore and his interactions with his co-worker, Andrew. The conversation between Patrick and Andrew, where Andrew expresses his dislike for people from Patrick’s hometown of Emoryville, serves as a turning point in the story. The structure allows for the buildup of tension as Patrick tries to navigate the situation and hide his true identity. This structure ultimately highlights the theme of prejudice and the importance of acceptance and understanding, as Patrick’s fear of judgment based on his hometown showcases the impact of preconceived notions on relationships. The straightforward storytelling allows for a clear presentation of the characters’ thoughts and feelings, emphasizing the significance of dialogue in conveying the underlying message of the story.