1. “Life After High School”
By: Joyce Carol Oates

2. Foreshadowing Only obvious in hindsight
It gives the readers a sense of understanding after they finish the story
Examples:
“who had never to anyone’s recollection asked a girl out before” p. 573
“Sunny’s secret vanity must have been what linked them. For several times, gravely, Zachary had said to her, ‘When I’m with you, Sunny, it’s possible for me to believe.’” p. 579

3. Foreshadowing
“Once, Zachary confined in Tobias that he prayed every morning of his life—immediately upon waking he scrambled out of bed, knelt, hid his face in his hands, and prayed. For his sinful soul, for his sinful thoughts, deeds, desires. He lacerated his soul… ‘To get through the day. Doesn’t everyone?’ This melancholy reply, Tobias was never to reveal.” p. 577 “‘Zachary, it’s a free world.’ Zachary said, ‘Oh no it isn’t, Sunny. For some of us, it isn’t.’” p. 578

4. Shifts in Time
Follows Sunny’s perspective through her life before, during, and after Zachary
Shows transition into dynamic Character
Third person limited point of view carries the story
Starts at end of Zachary’s life
Goes back to when Zachary’s begins to love Sunny
Goes to actual present
Goes into future

5. Metaphor
“he lacerated his soul the way he’d been taught by his mother to tug a fine toothed steel comb through his coarse, oily hair, never less than once a day.” p. 577
“like a dream voice—felt, but not heard…Face round like a moon…blossom-like clumps fell on the boy’s broad shoulders (snow)…like an impatient child.” p. 581
Sunny’s name—for her personality and her influence on other people p. 578

6. Symbols Choosing golf Engagement Ring New unlaced gym shoes & Bible
Plum Colored 1956 Plymouth

7. Irony April Fool’s Day note p. 583
“Yes. But it’s not my fault he’s dead.” p. 584
“in casting away his young life so recklessly, Zachary Graff had freed her from hers” p. 585

8. Discussion: Role of Religion
What is the role of religion shown in the story?
His parents are strict
Wanted him to got to Muhlenberg College, which is church related
Sunny’s beliefs – p. 576
Christian
Moral
All American girl
Zachary’s beliefs p. 577
Conflicted
Religious doubts, but attends church on regular basis
Tobias (para 40)
Self professed agnostic since 14

9. Discussion: Role of Religion
How does religion impact the attitudes of the characters?
Sunny is an overall, average, Church girl
Tobias & Zachary – loners, afraid
One of two choices: Tobias comes to terms with himself, Zachary can’t deal with it
How is it seen in the time period? (1960’s)
Raised up in a strict conservative environment
Homosexuality- unheard of
Late 60’s gay rights movement starts

10. Discussion: Dynamic Characters
Sunny
“That was the final season of her life as ‘Sunny’ Burhman” p. 583
“She hadn’t been queen of the senior prom. She hadn’t even continued to be a Christian.” p. 584
Change occurs right after Zachary’s death
Goes from her happy, Sunny self, to Barbara, a strict and sullen person

11. Discussion: Themes
Insecurities during adolescence result in facades, conformity, and disguised feelings.
People often find out who they really are after they leave that atmosphere of always trying to please people and fit in
Everyone has secrets
Zachary: “The Graffs knew nothing about Sunny Burhman.” p. 579 (one of many things)
Tobias: comes to terms with himself as a playwright
Sunny: hides feelings of impatience, irritation, frustration

12. Discussion: Themes
Social norms and fear of rejection often lead to a negative self perception and may lead to mental instability in desperation
Reason why Tobias rejected Zachary at the end—was afraid of social norms
The reason why Zachary chose Sunny as a symbol
*How is this theme still applicable today?*

13. “What do you think Zachary planned to do with the clothesline?”
Discussion:
What do you think the last line of the story means?
“What do you think Zachary planned to do with the clothesline?”