1. ‘A Picture of Zoe’
Liam Stewart

2. Understanding
Write a brief summary of what happens in the story in no more than 10 lines. Focus on the important facts.
Identify the main theme(s) of the story.
Where is the story set? Explain how you know this.

3. Setting
Why do you think the author has chosen Glasgow as the setting for the story? Does this affect your enjoyment of the story?
Can you identify any dialect words in the story? What is the effect of their use?

4. Plot
6. Which aspects of the story are typical of modern day life/dating?
7. Do you feel the storyline is realistic? Why/why not?
8. Did you find the characters in the story believable?

5. Characterisation: Zoe
9. What does Gerry’s description of Zoe as “a very nice little package” say about his view of her?
10. How do the quotes “flashing the old teeth” and “the mauve high heels (not too high), the matching shoulder-bag and the black skirt” add to this image?
11. Quote 3 examples from separate incidents in the story which show that Gerry is making assumptions about Zoe.

6. Characterisation: Zoe
12. Quote 3 examples of Zoe showing that she is, in fact, kind and caring.
13. How does Zoe react to Gerry’s tirade? Write down two quotations which support your answer.
14. Why has Zoe kept the picture the artist drew of her?

7. Narrative Voice 15. Who narrates the story?
16. How does this relate to the theme of the story?
17. How does this affect our view of Zoe?
18. How does this affect our sympathy for Gerry at the end?