Eider Palacios Sanchez

OLC4O

“On the Sidewalk Bleeding” Questions

1. At the beginning of the story, Andy is portrayed as a young boy who is a member of The
Royals gang, wearing a bright purple jacket with the gang's name on it. He is involved in
gang culture, and his identity seems closely tied to this affiliation. By the end of the story, my
impressions of Andy have changed as he lies dying in the alley, regretting the
meaninglessness of the gang identity and wishing to be recognized simply as Andy.
Evidence to support this change includes his internal thoughts and actions, such as
struggling to remove the gang jacket.

2. a. Individuals who come into the alley and could potentially help Andy include the drunk
man, the couple (Freddie and Angela), and the old lady. The drunk man doesn't recognize
the severity of Andy's condition. Freddie and Angela hesitate to help due to fear of
repercussions from the Guardians, indicating a fear-driven atmosphere in the neighborhood.
The old lady is unaware of Andy's situation.

3. a. The Royals jacket symbolizes Andy's affiliation with the gang and the associated
dangers of gang life.
b. Andy might have become a Royal for a sense of belonging, identity, or protection. The
story does not provide specific reasons, but gang involvement often stems from complex
social and personal factors.
c. Taking off the jacket becomes important to Andy as he realizes the jacket symbolizes a
senseless identity that has led to his stabbing. Removing it signifies a rejection of the gang
and a desire to be recognized as an individual.

4. The policeman's response to Andy's death reinforces the earlier reactions, as he focuses
on the gang affiliation indicated by the jacket rather than recognizing Andy as an individual.
This response reflects societal biases and stereotypes associated with gang membership.

5. The story unfolds in a brief time span, emphasizing the urgency and intensity of the
situation. The frequent mentions of time contribute to the pacing and tension of the narrative.

6. The type of narration used in this short story is first-person limited. It is evident from the
perspective of Andy's thoughts and experiences.

7. a. The italicized writing represents Andy's internal thoughts and reflections.

b. It provides insight into Andy's emotional and mental state, allowing readers to
understand his perspective and inner turmoil.

8. The main type of conflict in this story is character vs. society. Andy grapples with the
societal expectations and biases associated with gang membership, leading to his tragic
fate.
9. The author builds suspense through Andy's internal struggles, the urgency of his situation,
and the reactions of the people who come into the alley. The uncertainty of whether
someone will help him adds to the tension.

10. The setting creates a feeling of urban decay, danger, and hopelessness. Details such as
the rain, neon lights, and the alley contribute to the realistic and believable portrayal of a
gritty urban environment.

11. The climax of the story is when Angela discovers Andy in the alley, and the police officer
confirms his death. This moment represents the culmination of the tension and tragedy in the
narrative.