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 contributes to the meaning of the story.

(4 points

Answer 1

The structure of the story begins with setting up the routine of Patrick's commute to work at his uncle's bookstore in Northview, establishing his strong bond with his uncle and friendship with Andrew. The conflict arises when Andrew expresses his disdain for Emoryville, unaware that Patrick is from there. This tension creates a sense of unease and uncertainty in the reader, wondering how Patrick will navigate this revelation. The structure builds towards a climax when Andrew asks Patrick where he's from, leading to Patrick's evasive response and a clear sense of conflict between the two friends. The resolution is left open-ended, leaving the reader to contemplate the implications of Patrick's silence on the future of his friendship with Andrew. Overall, the structure effectively conveys the theme of prejudice and the complexities of friendship across rivalries, keeping the reader engaged and invested in the characters' development.