Two litterary pieces.

A clean well lighted place

Ernest Hemingway makes this story seem like it is gloomy and full of despair.
The drunk old man is a sign to the older waiter of where his life is heading. The younger waiter is full of life and is oblivious of everything that's going on in regards to the old waiter and the old drunk man. The theme of this story makes me feel like Ernest is telling me there's no hope for aging men. Once strong and full of life ready to conquer the world, are now lost souls in the sands of time.

We Real Cool

Gwendolyn makes this poem short and sweet. The whole theme of it is being lazy and slacking off doing whatever they want. By the use of "school" in it, I assume these are young men who are just doing things out of impulse and do not weigh out the consequences. This theme makes me feel good and full of life. It makes me want to go out and break the law and break things for the hell of it.

Andre's Mother

1. What is the genre of this play? How do you know?

This play is a Melodramatic. Cal is the protagonist and Andre's mother is the antagonist. Cal is in peace with Andre's death and is able to move on (that's why he easily let go of the balloon), as opposed to Andre's mother who still never really accepted her son being gay and it really took a lot to let go of the balloon in the end.

2. Identify the significant spectacle (the scenery, costumes) used in the play. What does it symbolize, and how do you know?

The spectacle in this play are the white balloons. They represent Andre's soul, and when you let them go, your letting his soul ascend up to heaven. Cal says it in the play.

3. How does the fact that Andres mother doesn’t speak in the play affect the meaning, theme, and plot of the play?

It lets us see her through Cal's point of view. Her silence just gives us a better understanding of the turmoil she is going through inside of her. You can tell by the expressions she makes during the play.