Introductory Activity :

Have students read the short story individually. After giving them approximately 5 to 10 minutes to read it, ask them to discuss the sequence of events that take place in the story. Discuss the meaning of theme, motive, and conflict.

Body :

Divide the class into small groups (3 to 4 in each group). Give the small groups approximately 20 minutes to complete this portion of the assignment. Have each group highlight the dialogue in two different colors to separate what the husband says and what the wife says. Have the students circle the rest of the text to use as a narrator.

Conclusion Activity :

Either have three students to volunteer to read the separated version of the story or choose three students to read the individual parts to the class. Discuss how it sounds being read aloud by three of their fellow classmates compared to being read individually. Discuss with the class the difference in opinion between the motives of the husband and the wife and the impact it has on them being read aloud. Also ask the students to explain the theme(s), motives, and conflicts between this married couple.

Vocabulary Words :

• theme
  
• motive
  
• conflict
  

Evaluation Activity :

Using this piece of literature have the students write a paragraph response (eight to ten sentences) to why and what caused this domestic situation to unfold as it did. Allow students another 15 minutes to write their responses.