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What Gaps Are Left Out Analysis

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Think about what is left out and what is added or emphasized in plotting the story. What gaps are left in the story? How do they force you to become involved as a reader? What does inclusion of the episodes of Henry and Lyman’s travels-the place under the willow where they rested and talking to Susy home to Alaska-contribute to the story? What would be lost if the details were not there? There are several things that are added or emphasized in plotting the story. In the first paragraph, there is foreshadowing that implies something tragic happened. Lyman says “We owned it until his boots filled with water on a windy night and he bought out my share.” This sets the tone for the story. Their Chippewa heritage was another point of emphasis and touches on who these men where as well as the cultural and social challenges they may have incurred. This was highlighted when Henry was struggling after returning home from the war and his mother was concerned about taking him for treatment to outside of the reservation. The car …show more content…

Also, the gaps force the reader to question things rather than be provided with details making it more interesting. We’re told that Henry had served in Vietnam to fight in the war for three years. Although the details are not provided of what happened to him during this time, I as reader, visualize the horrific bloodshed that he was to and the internal conflicts that he would have endured during his tour of duty. This helps to explain the extreme and negative change in his personality when he returns home. By questioning gaps in the story, it keeps the reader engaged. In one sentence they are spending the last of their money on the car and barely have enough money to get home, then they are off and traveling in for the summer. How are they paying for gas, food,

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