Cross-Country

Over-view

• Rebecca struggles to recover after a break- up:

staying away from work and stalking her ex on
-line.
Comprehension

1. List some of the cliches used in the story. Why do

people resort to cliches when offering consolation to
others?

2. What is the cause of Rebecca’s despair ?

How does the reader know she is depressed?
• 3. Re-read the description on page 123 of what
Rebecca imagines cross-country running involves.
What parallels can be drawn between this description
and her current problems?
• 4. Why does Rebecca feel the
death of a loved one would be
easier to cope with than the
end of a relationship?
 5. How does the 6.Why is the story
computer act as a called “Cross-
metaphor? Country”?
The
• 7. Does the ending suggest that Rebecca will move on ?
Will she go to work on Monday?

ending.

Many of the stories, like “Cross-Country”, take place at key

moments in the protagonists’ lives.
They demonstrate how the character responds to crises and how
these events might change their lives.
Themes

• Relationships
• The disappointment of reality
• Despair
• The possibility of change
• Loneliness
Writing
Activity
* Imagine you are Rebecca’s boss.
What are your thoughts about the
length of time she is taking off
work?
OR
* Imagine you are Rebecca’s ex in
the lead up to telling her “[he’s]
leaving”. Consider your
motives/how you feel about the
impending break-up