Ms. Gulitti
English I
“A Man Who Had No Eyes” by Mackinlay Kantor
Directions: In your group, answer the questions for your assigned topic. Each member
of the group is responsible for answering all questions and will be asked to explain these
answers to the rest of the class as part of a presentation grade. Therefore, your group
should discuss each question thoroughly and make sure everyone can answer the
questions using specific examples from the story.
YOUR GROUP’S TOPIC: _________________________________________
GROUP MEMBERS: ____________________________
________________________
____________________________
________________________
TITLE
(Often symbolic; provides hints as to what the story will be about; can help reveal theme)
Review the story as a group.
1) Consider the title, “A Man Who Had No Eyes” when answering these questions:
a. What would the reader expect the story to be about?
b. Now that you have completed reading it, explain fully whether or not you
feel that this is an appropriate title for this story.
2) Explain how “eyes” are used as a symbol in the story. What might they
represent or a figurative level? What do they represent in this story?
3) How does the title help to reveal a theme of this story?
a. Write one possible thematic statement
b. provide at least two specific examples from the story to support the theme
you listed above.
1.
PLOT
(The sequence of events in a story that brings about the resolution of a conflict or
problem)
Review the entire story as a group. Pay special attention to the events that occur.
1) Complete the attached handout of the chart that lists all of the important parts of this
story’s plot. Label each part and list below those events of the story that apply to that
section of the story.
2) Describe the setting (time, place, and duration) and explain its importance to the story.
a. description of setting:
b. explanation of importance:
3) Provide an explanation of the story’s climax. Why does this event mark the turning
point in the story?
4) Determine the mood of the story. List words (look at the verbs and the
description of the weather) that can support your answer.
CHARACTERIZATION
(what a character looks like, says, and does; what other characters say about him/her;
how he/she reacts)
Character: Mr. Markwardt
1) Describe his appearance and what he looks like. Be sure to include how he is dressed.
2) What does he do for a living? How do you know?
3) How does he speak to the man (Mr. Parsons) on pages 11-12?
Why does he call him “Guv’nor?”
4) Markwardt’s personality is revealed through his words/actions. Examine his story
about the explosion. What do you learn about his disposition and attitude? (use pages 1213)
5) How does he feel about his blindness? (page 12)
CHARACTERIZATION
(what a character looks like, says, and does; what other characters say about him/her;
how he/she reacts)
Character: Mr. Parsons
1) Describe his appearance and what he looks like. Be sure to include how he is dressed.
2) What does he do for a living? How do you know?
3) People often develop different attitudes towards the same situation. How does Mr.
Parsons feel about his blindness? (Examine what he says on pages 10, 11, 13).
4) How does he treat Markwardt in the beginning of the story (page 11)? At the end (p.
13)?
5) Why does Parsons forgive Markwardt?
IRONY:
(a contrast between what appears to be and what really is; often an unexpected “twist”
or the opposite of what you thought would happen)
This story contains three surprises: 2 of those surprises depend on the coincidental
meeting of the two men.
1. What are the first two surprises revealed in the story? Why does each one come as a
surprise to the reader?
a.
b.
2. The author arranged the final surprise by including details that lead the reader to
assume that Mr. Parsons could see.
Look back in the story to find and list those details below:
3. How did these details “set up” the final surprise? Explain thoroughly.
4. How does the author’s use of irony help to reveal a theme of the story?
FORESHADOW:
(hints/clues provided by the author about what will happen in the story)
Review the story as a group.
1. Find the hints/clues that are given throughout the story which reveal the following:
a. that Mr. Parsons is blind (pages 10-12)
b. that Mr. Parsons was a workman in C-Shop (pages 10-12)
2. How does the weather provide “hints” within the story (i.e., “the spring sun…” on p.
10-11 and “the spring wind” on p. 13)?
3. How does Mr. Parsons’ current profession provide a sense of foreshadowing in the
story? Explain using examples from the text.
4. What point of view is used by the author? How do you know? Why is this point of
view effective?