Eleven

Consider a time you felt disempowered. What would you do in Rachel’s shoes? Would you speak up for yourself? How?

Consider the roles Sylvia and Phyllis play in the story. Do you think Phyllis truly forgot the sweater was hers? Why did Sylvia claim the sweater belonged to Rachel?

How does the author use tone and mood to develop the change in Rachel’s attitude throughout the story?

Consider situations where you have had a role of authority. How did Mrs. Price utilize her authority? Do you believe she was being fair? What could she have done differently?

How does Cisneros’s use of repetition inform the mood of this story? What other literary devices does she use, and to what effect?

What does the red sweater symbolize? How would the story be different if the red sweater was appealing?

Reflect on Rachel’s theory on aging. Do you agree or disagree?

Explain why Rachel decides it is “too late” when considering her birthday celebration at the end of the story. What does she mean by this?