A central theme in Section II is paralysis. Characters are trapped in lives they abhor by events and forces they could control as well as those beyond their control. In these stories adolescents and young adults become aware they are or will be trapped, creating in them moral or spiritual paralysis that prevents them from escaping or avoiding the trap.
Eveline is a story that attempts to make such connections by discussing the idea of paralysis in the main character's formative years.
In your journals, please consider the following:
Real life connections:
•List future goals and outline steps to achieve these goals; list outside support needed. Write about self-created
5 obstacles as well as those created by outside forces.
•Write about leaving a familiar place for a new place (e.g., moved, changed schools). Discuss the power of familiarity
and the frightening aspects of change.
•Respond to the following: Have you or someone you know tried to join a group that was too old? Has anyone tried
to join your group who was too young or not as sophisticated as the group? What were the results of these efforts?
