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 2 paragraphs explaining the structure of the story and how the sructre contributes to the meaning of the story
The structure of the story is centered around Patrick's weekly commute to his uncle's bookstore in Northview and his interactions with his co-worker Andrew. The setting of the bookstore serves as a backdrop for the development of Patrick's character and his relationships with his uncle and Andrew. The conflict arises when Andrew reveals his bias against people from Emoryville, highlighting the tension between the two towns. This conflict sets the stage for Patrick to grapple with his own identity and how he navigates his relationships with those around him.
The structure of the story contributes to the meaning by highlighting the theme of overcoming stereotypes and prejudices. Patrick's silence and quick change of subject when Andrew disparages Emoryville suggest that he is at odds with his own identity in the face of societal biases. Through his interactions with Andrew and his internal struggles, Patrick is forced to confront the prejudices that exist between the two towns and ultimately challenge them by showing that friendships can transcend rivalries. The structure of the story underscores the importance of breaking down barriers and finding common ground with others, even in the face of societal divisions.