Birthday Party Human Conflict Dr. Peih-ying Lu Oct. 25, 2010

Pre-reading Questions Explain the meaning of the Golden Rule: “Do unto others what you would have them do unto you.”

In-class discussion 1. What is your first impression about the man, the woman and the events? n 2. Look at the following list, explain what n could be reasonably inferred from each n detail?

They are “ a couple in their late thirties” and look “unmistakably married” They are eating in “a little narrow restaurant.” The man has “ a round, self-satisfied face, with glasses on it.” The woman is “fading pretty.” The woman wears “ a big hat.” The “small but glossy birthday cake” has “one pink candle.” The woman “beam[s] with shy pride over her little surprise.” The man waits until “the general attention ha[s] shifted” before he says anything to his wife. The man says, “under his breath,” “some punishing thing.” The man is “hotly embarrassed” and “indignant.” The woman sits at the table “crying” for “quite a long time.”

3. Would you react as the husband does? Why or why not?.