“The Glass Roses” by Alden Nowlan
With a small group, discuss the following questions. Choose someone to
read the question out loud, and direct the discussion so that each person
can offer his/her opinion on the topic. Have another student record the
group’s response and choose a third student to report the information
gathered to the class in a discussion.
1. Stephen is certain “he could never be a man”. What qualities does
Stephen associate with “being a man”? Why does he have this image? (3
marks)
2. Quote three descriptive passages that effectively portray the setting of a
harsh and brutal environment. How does this contribute to the story’s
theme? (4 marks)
3. Explain Stephen’s internal conflict. What is he struggling with? Quote to
support your answer. (3 marks)
4. “There’s not much room in this world for glass roses.” For the Polack and
Stephen, what do the glass roses represent (what are they a symbol of)?
(2 marks)
5. Write out the theme statement that demonstrates what Alden Nowlan is
trying to get across to his readers. Quote details from the story that
supports this theme. (3 marks)