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“Teenage Wasteland” – Anne Tyler
Discussion Questions
After Reading
1.
Why did Donny run away?
2.
What will happen to Donny?
3.
What is the significance of the title “Teenage Wasteland”?
4.
Why did Daisy and Matt listen to Cal’s advice even though it contradicts what they felt was the right way to raise Donny?
5.
Identify/Analyze the characterization of Mr. and Mrs. Coble. What can you tell about each of them? How? How might
their personalities be affecting Donny?
6.
Identify the point of view used in the story. Why did the author choose to use this point of view?
7.
Why does the author leave the story unresolved?
8.
Who is responsible for Donny running away? Who is responsible for Donny’s overall behavior? Who is responsible for
the behavior of any teenager?
9.
Are Daisy and Matt Coble good parents?
10. Who do you feel sorry for in this story? Why?
11. Identify the tone. Does the author seem to take sides in the debate about academic reform? What is her opinion?
12. Is there a clear message to the story? What might be the message?