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Study Guide

1. Answer (ALL these questions are for personal analysis)

1. Find out some relevant information about the author´s biography.

2. Set the story in time and place.

3. Narrate the plot (plot summary)

4. Explain the title.

5. Discuss the main characters: Lotte and her friends.

6. Discuss about the relationship among these friends. Provide examples.

7. Comment about the Lotte´s life in her apartment and in her new home.

8. Mention the main themes in the short story.

9. What does Lotte mean when she says “I am dead”?

10. Which of the plans designed “to rescue” Lotte did you enjoy the most? Why?

11. Express your personal appreciation of the short story.

2. Language activity (For personal development):

Choose 3 new words and explain their meaning.

3. Writing Task. Paragraph: Choose one question and answer it

1. Do you consider the message in this story is relevant to our society? In which sense?

2. Were Lotte´s sons right in taking their mother to a home for the elderly?

3. Why can we say that loyalty in friendship is a central theme in this short story?

4. Creative Writing Task (Activity included in Foro):

1. This short story has an open ending. How would you close it? Write a final
conclusive ending

2. Choose one phrase/image you like and justify your choice (Comment briefly why you
like it).