Compare and contrast Laura’s understanding of what it means to be an adult from the beginning to the end of the story. How does her understanding change? What significant events lead to her transformative journey? How does her understanding of what it means to be an adult compare with your answer in the Personal Connection Prompt?

Teaching Suggestion: This question can be used as either an in-class discussion prompt or a take-home writing assignment. Students should demonstrate the understanding that Laura’s perception of adulthood matures throughout the story. This journey begins with a frivolous and sheltered understanding of being “far too grown-up” (Page 6) as she prepares for the party. However, after her eye-opening experience of leaving the gates and entering the widow’s home, she comes to terms with the reality of death as well as the inexplicability of life. Students’ answers should touch upon both the themes of Adolescents Playing at Adulthood and The Relationship Between Life and Death.