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

The structure of this story is built around the interactions between Patrick and Andrew, with their conversations serving as the main focus. Through these conversations, the reader is able to see the relationship between the two boys and how their connection is based on their shared interests and camaraderie. The conversation about their respective hometowns serves as a pivotal point in the story, revealing a potential rift in their friendship due to their school rivalries. By highlighting this moment in the story, the structure effectively portrays the theme of prejudice and the potential consequences it can have on relationships. Ultimately, the structure of the story emphasizes the importance of acceptance and understanding, as Patrick and Andrew navigate their differences and work towards maintaining their friendship.

Shorter

The story's structure revolves around the conversations between Patrick and Andrew, showcasing their friendship and shared interests. The conversation about their hometowns reveals potential conflict due to school rivalries, emphasizing the theme of prejudice and the importance of acceptance. This structure contributes to the story's meaning by highlighting the impact of prejudices on relationships and the need for understanding.