“The Glass Roses”
by Alden Nowlan
Name: ________________________
1. What qualities does Leka possess that differs from Stephen’s father. Why does
Stephen like Leka?
2. What is the definition of “manhood” according to Stephen’s father? Why does
Stephen feel he is disappointing his father throughout this story? Please include
three quotations to support your answers.
3. Who do you think is the stronger man, Leka, Stephen’s father, or Stephen? Why?
4. What is the meaning of Stephen’s final action? What other action does this parallel
in the story?
5. Select three of the follow six objects/settings and explain what they represent
symbolically. (a) The glass roses; (b) The forest; (c) The bunkhouse;
(d) Sun/streaks of daylight; (e) weather (wind); Axe/saw.
6. How is it relevant that “The Glass Roses” is set in a remote lumber camp, isolated
from the mainstream of society and especially from the feminine influence of mothers,
sisters, and wives. Discuss Alden Nowlan’s purpose in creating this setting for the
story.
7. Please examine the quotes below and explain what inferences can be made in relation
to theme, character development and symbolism.
a) “Enviously he studied their faintly humped backs and ox-like shoulders. He thought
despairingly of his own willowy fifteen-year-old body” (424).
b) “The Polack chuckled. He had such nightmares almost every night, but the fear
seemed to leave him as soon as he was wholly awake” (425).
c) “There ain’t no room for kids in the pulp woods” and “There is not much room in the
world for glass roses”(425).