English 30-1

Isherwood

The Glass Roses By Alden Nowlan

Guided Analysis
Name: ____________

Date: _______________

Pre-Reading
Part 1: Use your smart device to define each of the unfamiliar words from the
story. You may work in partners. (10)

Tarpaper:

Despondent:

Polack:

Coherently:

Lacerate:

Mackinaw:

Obdurate:

Monotonous:

Alacrity:

Maelstrom:

Part 2: Follow along with the PowerPoint presentation and record the following
information about Nowlans life. (5)

Mother:

Father:

Familys Attitude towards Education:

Source: http://lib.sookmyung.ac.kr/dlsearch/DLLocal/sook/SMUknowledge/2009_exhibition/images/204Alden_Nowlan-s.jpg

Important Events (2)

Reading

Part 1: Perform a close-reading of the story using the steps from your notes. This time:
Underline all references to masculinity.
Circle all references to the harsh environment.
*These will help you later in your analysis

Post-Reading Analysis

Part 1: Define Setting:

_______________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
____________(1)

It is relevant that The Glass Roses is set in a remote lumber camp, isolated from
mainstream society, and from the feminine influence of characters like mothers, sisters, or
wives. What was Nowlans purpose for creating this setting for the story? (2)

Part 2: Character can be defined as any person, animal, or figure represented in a

literary work. Use the Venn Diagram below to analyze the similarities and differences
between two characters from The Glass Roses: Stephens father and Leka. Consider their
backgrounds, actions, personalities, and physical characteristics. (10)

STEPHENS FATHER

LEKA

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/de/aa/1b/deaa1be15850a724a2ee2c10aa11e8e6.jpg

The difference in qualities between Leka and Stephens father are significant. Why does
Stephen like Leka? (2)

What two false assumptions do the men make about Leka? (2)

Why does Leka remain nameless throughout most of the story? (1)

Stephens internal conflict is centered on his struggle between two courses of actions, and
in extension, ways of life. What is he struggling with? Use quotations from the story to
support your claims. (4)

What is the meaning of Stephens final action? (2)

Part 3: Define Symbolism:

___________________________________________________________________________________________
_______

___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
____________(1)

Alden writes that, Theres not much room in this world for glass roses.

For Leka, what do the glass roses represent as he struggles in his post-war life? (2)

For Stephen, what do the glass roses represent as he struggles to grow up? (2)

Part 4: Use your smart device to review the definition of theme, then consider each of
the themes below. Provide an explanation for each in relation to The Glass Roses. Ask
yourself: How is this theme present in the story? & Which character(s) exemplify this
theme? You may work with a partner.

Theme:
___________________________________________________________________________________________
_______

___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
____________(1)

Search for Identity (2)

Masculinity (2)

Innocence (2)

Part 5: Make a personal connection to The Glass Roses. Consider the bulleted points to
inform your thinking. (2)

What does this remind me of in my

life?

What were my feelings when I read

this?

How is this similar to my life?

How is this different from my life?

My Connection: