“The Men We Carry in Our Minds”

Pg. 131-136

Directions: As you read, reread and answer the following. You must always cite evidence from the text.

Writers often begin essays informally, with an anecdote, or in this case, a casual conversation.

1. Lines 1-7: What is the author likely to explore in his essay, based on the conversation
between the author and his female friend. Cite text evidence from lines 1-7 to support your
response.

A central idea is the most important point, or message, that the author wants to get across in a written
work. Some works have several central ideas.

2. Lines 34-46: Identify the central idea that emerges from the author’s response to Anneke’s
statement in lines 34-35. Cite text evidence to support your response.

One way the author reveals his or her point of view is by examining its origin in past experiences.

3. Lines 47-58: Cite an example from the text of how Sanders’s early views of men were
shaped.

An author’s style, or way of using language, can convey his or her point of view in a unique way. You can
analyze and appreciate an author’s style by paying attention to the way an author arranges the words in
a sentence (syntax), and the choice of words that convey his or her attitude toward the subject (tone).

4. Lines 64-82: What does the author’s style in this section suggest about his point of view
toward his subject?

An author’s point of view can often be inferred from the details he or she includes and from the
observation he or she makes about them. It can also be directly states.

5. Lines 78-82: What does Sanders think that he, as a man, might experience in the future
based on the details in lines 78-82.

Central idea (see earlier explanation).

6. Lines 70-82: Fill in the central idea of these lines in the circle bubble. Then, complete each
rectangular bubble with details that support the central idea. If you can’t determine the
central idea, try filling in the key details in the rectangular bubbles first, and see if that helps
you then determine the central idea.
Visual elements, such as the photo on page 133, can often help reinforce central ideas.

7. Photo pg. 133: how does this photo help support the central idea?

An essay can contain several central ideas that connect and build on each other.

8. Lines 98-102: Reread these lines. What do these sentences suggest about the connection
between the soldiers and the earlier description of the laborers?

Personal essays may often begin with generalizations and then shift to a more individual focus.

9. Lines 110-124: Find text evidence that shows this shift. Explain the shift, and cite the text
evidence.

Remember, an author’s point of view can be formed not only by his/her personal experiences but also
by how those experiences relate to a wider worldview.

10. Lines 160-166: Explain why Sanders was baffled by women’s accusations against men.

An essay’s title can often suggest its central idea.

11. Lines 172-181: Identify the reference to the essay’s title in this paragraph. Then, summarize
the central idea of the essay.

The development of an author’s point of view is often a process, the conclusion of which is expressed at
the end of a piece of writing.

12. End: Is Sanders any clearer about whether or not he should feel guilty, whether or not he is
a “persecutor” or a “victim”? Cite examples from the text.