“Hostage” Journal
Do you believe Bruno acted heroically (in
any way)? What explains his violent
behavior? Why do you think he becomes
sullen and has difficulties after the incident
and his sentencing? (see page 1209)
Hostage Questions
1. A short story must create character, tension and
some kind of resolution in relatively few pages.
How well do you think “Hostage” satisfies these
requirements? Why do you think this?
2. Joyce Carol Oates once said that “all art is moral,
educative, and illustrative.”
 What moral issues does “Hostage” raise? List
these as statements. (at least three)
 What does “Hostage” attempt to teach or show
the audience? (at least two)
3. Was the sentence handed down to Bruno by the
juvenile court justified? Was it helpful or
harmful? Why do you think this? Use PIE with
three illustrations to support your view.