Caught in a Viscious Circle
Question 1: Write a list of all the characters in this story and describe what type of person they are.
Elaine – Elaine is a good person, though she is the one caught in a viscious circle. She is hanging around with friends that have bad influence on her. The “leader” of her friend-gang makes her do things that she doesn’t really want to do. She does not like Cordelia, but she still does whatever she tells her to do.
Cordelia – She is, to put it simple, cruel. She can’t stand being made fun of, and she bosses others around. She makes Elaine do things she doesn’t want to do. She is dependant on her friends, but she still treats them like dirt.
Carol – She is not as bad as the others. She is at the bottom a good person, but is bossed around, just as Elaine. Carol cares for others, and she takes things seriously. I think it would be best for her if she found her some other friends, like if she joined Elaine and her new friend Jill.
Grace – It’s not too much about her, but from we see she is basically Cordelia’s puppet. Cordelia’s opinion is her opinion, and she does what Cordelia tells her to do.
Elaine’s Mother – She cares for Elaine, and she knows that her friends aren’t good for her. That’s why it wasn’t hard for her to tell who threw Elaine’s hat from the bridge even if Elaine did not tell her.
Question 2: What is the theme of this story? What is the author trying to get across to the reader?
The theme in this story is how some friends have bad influence on others. She is trying to tell you that you should have your own opinions, and don’t just do as others tell you to. In the end you are caught in a viscious circle (which is why she gave that title to the text) and it is harder to stop. Stay away from people who have bad influence on you.
Question 3: What did you like/dislike about this story, please be specific!
I like the theme in this story. The message the author gives is quite good, and the message counts just as much for today as it counted for 30 years ago. I am glad Elaine discovers that Cordelia has bad influence on her, and decides to find some new friends.
