Stephen King Fall from Innocence
: “The Body”
December 2011 9 SCP Guided Essay Writing
Mrs. Vandigriff
We have discussed innocence in the novel Fahrenheit 451 (Clarisse) and in the short story “Thank You M’am”
(Rodger) . One major symbol of innocence is children. How is Stephen King using the theme of innocence in this novella? (Re-Read page 382 second paragraph)
Introduction
Paragraph: Choose one of the boys and describe how they are innocent and how this affects their adult life. Use a relevant quote from an outside source (song, poem, novel) to start your
Introduction (Line 1) . Always mention the name of the book and the author’s name (Line 2). Provide some plot that is important to know (Lines 3&4). Bold the last line of your introduction to remind yourself what your theory is about a character. (thesis Line 5)
In the novella, “The Body” written by Stephen King, the reader meets four young innocent boys. One interesting character is Teddy Duchamp. Teddy’s innocence is shown in the story, “The Body,” when he defends his father’s war record even though his dad was physically abusive. Teddy loves his father despite his dad’s mental illness.
Teddy refuses to see the adult betrayal in his dad and clings to his innocence throughout the story.
Or
In the novella, “The Body” written by Stephen King, the reader meets four young innocent boys. One interesting character is Chris Chambers. Chris accomplishes a successful career later in life because he is smart, mature, and caring. Together Gordie and Chris both survive their “fall” from innocence to become successful adults in life.
Chris Chambers rises above the “death” of his innocence through his friendship with Gordie.
The Boys :
Chris Chambers – the leader
Gordie Lachance – the writer
Teddy Duchamp – the solider
Vern Tessio – the youngest
Use quotes from the story to support your thesis. (3 paragraphs)
 I ntroduce quote: Before the quote spend 1 to 2 sentences setting up the connection of the quote to the thesis (character you are discussing and the fall from innocence or rise above innocence theme.
 Quote:
“Insert quote” (King #). As we read write down page number of quotes you like.
 E xplain quote : After the quote, spend about 2 to 3 sentences discussing how this quote proves that the character is innocent or mature.

Consider what plot relates to your character and where an important moment takes place (setting) that relates to the character and his “fall” from innocence? Use a quote from the story and connect to the question. (1-2 paragraphs)
Example:
I ntroduce quote Teddy “falls” from innocence at the Garbage Dump when the mean old man insults his father. “ I nsert Quote” “My dad stormed the beach of Normandy.” (King 211).
E xplain quote Chris
Chambers understands Teddy’s innocence so Chris saves Teddy by sticking up for him. Chris has already has fallen from innocence, therefore, he wants to protect Teddy because they are friends.
ransition to next paragraph.
The difference between Teddy and Chris is maturity.

Do all children “fall from innocence”? Explain with an example from life or connect to a character from a story you have read before ( Odyssey , Outsiders etc.) (1-2 paragraphs)

What is the lesson Stephen King is asking the reader to consider about the world of a child and the world of an adult at the end of the story. (1 paragraph)