Short Story by Anne Tyler TEENAGE WASTELAND Background

Short Story by Anne Tyler TEENAGE WASTELAND

Background � Anne Tyler is an American author � She is one of very few writing about the teenage experience at the time � The story is written in, and takes place in, the 1960’s; a time that held strong views of how teens should act.

� What do you know about the 1960’s? �Brainstorm 10 ideas with a partner, write them down in your notes

� What are some stereotypes about teenagers? �Brainstorm 10 ideas with a partner, write them down in your notes

Prediction � Based on the title “Teenage Wasteland, ” predict what the general attitude will be toward teens in the story

Sound Familiar? Anne Tyler’s “Teenage Wasteland” is titled after a verse in the song “Baba O’Riley”, written by Pete Townsend and performed by The Who.

You may also recognize The Who from their appearance on The Simpsons, November 2000.

Sound Familiar? Anne Tyler’s “Teenage Wasteland” is titled after a verse in the song “Baba O’Riley”, written by Pete Townsend and performed by The Who. Listen

Out here in the fields I fight for my meals I get my back into my living I don't need to fight To prove I'm right I don't need to be forgiven Don't cry Don't raise your eye It's only teenage wasteland Sally, take my hand Travel south cross land Put out the fire Don't look past my shoulder The exodus is here The happy ones are near Let's get together Before we get much older Teenage wasteland It's only teenage wasteland Teenage wasteland Oh, oh Teenage wasteland They're all wasted! Baba O'Riley Written by Pete Townsend Performing Artist: The Who Album: Who's Next

Written Response � What does “Teenage Wasteland” symbolize in the song? � What does it symbolize to you, today? �(Short Answer) in full sentences and be prepared to share out to the class

Interesting � Pete Townshend [later] claimed in an interview that, at least in part, "Baba O'Riley" was about what he witnessed during The Who's performance at Woodstock. He stated in an interview that "'Baba O' Riley' is about the absolute desolation of teenagers at Woodstock, . ’” [4]

Reading the Story � Please take notes on the following as we read through the story: �Examples of the lit terms covered today * Protagonist * Antagonist * Foreshadowing * Symbolism * Allusion �Important quotes (this does not necessarily mean “dialogue”)

Discussion Prompt Which two characters are to blame for Donny running away? Discuss at your tables Using whiteboards, web diagram 2 characters around the question � Use quotes and examples to support � 10 minutes – be prepared to share out to the class � � �

Writing Prompt Which two characters are to blame for Donny running away? � � � 1 page minimum Paragraph 1 = Character 1 Paragraph 2 = Character 2 Use 2 -3 quotes per paragraph and examples for support Will be graded according to rubric Hand in your rubric stapled to the back of your work

Review � What are the 3 most important symbols in the story and what do they mean? �Groups of 3 �Justify with evidence from the story �Each person in the group presents 1 idea � Example: The Basketball