Same Event, Different Views

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

It is often hard to figure out the meaning of past events based on the evidence we have.

Take a look at this famous very-short story, The Scarlatti Tilt, by Richard Brautigan. Then, write out your interpretation of the story:

• What do you think happened?
• Why do you think so?
• What are other possible interpretations?
• What are the actual facts in the case?
• What information would help you make a better decision?

Share the story with someone and see if his or her interpretation is different from yours, or, if not, challenge each other to come up with different explanations.

Reflect:

• What causes this story to be open to multiple interpretations?
• What causes life events to be open to multiple interpretations?
• Write your responses in your notebook, then share and discuss with a parent or teacher.

Now, continue on to the Got It? section to try your powers of interpretation!