1. Think, Pair, Share… Your first crush… –Who was it (come up with a fake name if you need to)? –When was it? –How did you act around them? –Does love make you do crazy things?

2. “The Bass, The River and Sheila Mant” By W.D. Wetherell

3. Theme: a truth about life and human nature that gives meaning to a story Themes are usually not stated directly. Stories can have more than one theme. Some themes are universal.

4. Universal theme: a theme that appears in the literature of all cultures; a theme that anybody anywhere can relate to Examples: first love being misunderstood by parents anger over an unfair defeat

5. Conflict: a struggle between two opposing forces internal man vs. himself—the struggle takes place in the character’s mind or heart external man vs. an outside force—the struggle is against another man, nature, the environment, the supernatural, society

6. Allusion: a brief reference to a person, event, or place (real or fictitious) or to a work of art. Allusions are drawn from history, geography, literature, or religion.

7. Allusion: In this short story, there are allusions to two historical figures: Jackie Onassis Ann-Margret

8. Jackie Kennedy Onassis Wife of JFK; famous first lady noted for her fashion sense & the pillbox hat; married Greek millionaire after assassination of JFK; led life of wealthy recluse.

9. From President’s Widow to Millionaire’s Wife

10. Ann-Margret A popular actress in the ’60s

11. 1960’s Version Of a Megan Fox

12. Background Info: When the narrator mentions the Dartmouth Heavyweight Crew, he is talking about sculling.

13. Vocabulary to Know: Denizens—inhabitants Pensive—dreamily thoughtful Dubious—doubtful Antipathy—strong dislike Filial—pertaining to a son or daughter Surreptitiously—sneakily Conspicuous—obvious or very easy to see Concussion—powerful shock or impact Luminous—glowing or giving off light Quizzical—puzzled or questioning

14. Agree or Disagree? Teenage boys often fall for older girls. Teenagers often do silly things for love. Boys are more self-centered than girls. Bad decisions often “haunt” the decision maker.