Analyze Short Stories

Analyze Short Stories

HL - English Enrichment Program

Far and Near

(1) "Come on in!" said Annisa. She was holding the door open for Nick while sticking out her foot to block a cat. "Watch out for Meanie."

(2)"You have a cat?" Nick asked, surprised. Their dad didn't like cats, so he had never had one. Nick wasn't sure if he liked cats either.

(3) "Yes, but I'm afraid she's not very nice," replied Annisa. "That's why she's called Meanie. She'll probably hide the whole time you're here."

(4) Nick looked at his older sister's apartment. He had never been there before. He hadn't really spent much time with her at all, ever since she had moved to Toronto when he was six. And now he was spending a whole week at her apartment—with a mean cat. 

(5) The living room walls were painted yellow, and there was a string of paper lanterns along one wall. It was brighter and more casual than home. 

(6) Annisa walked over to a door in the hallway and opened it. "So this will be your room. My roommate moved out, so it's pretty empty, but you have a futon to sleep on."

(7) Nick put down his bag and looked around. "Okay, thanks," he said. The room seemed strange and bare. He decided not to unpack his bag. 

(8) Nick and Annisa looked at each other awkwardly. "Uh, are you hungry? Let's think about dinner," Annisa said, and they went into the living room. 

(9) Nick walked over to inspect a black-and-white movie poster. "Oh, I saw this movie. I liked it. But it was a little weird because they recorded over the actors' voices in English." 

(10) "That's one of my favorite movies! I have it in the original Japanese, with subtitles. Do you want to watch it later?" asked Annisa. 

(11) Later, Nick was slurping curry noodles and enjoying the movie. It was different with the subtitles. It made a little more sense.

(12) Meanie was curled in Annisa's lap. At one point, Annisa pointed out an unusual camera angle to Nick. Meanie woke with the motion and then nestled in a new spot between Annisa and Nick. As the credits rolled, Nick began analyzing the movie as Annisa listened. When he leaned back, Meanie butted her head against his arm to get his attention. Nick petted the top of her head, and she purred.

(13) "Hey, you're not living up to your name," he said. 

(14) Annisa looked surprised. "Huh. Maybe she just didn't like my old roommate."

(15) Nick thought of the empty room. "Thanks for inviting me," he said.

(16) Annisa smiled. "You're welcome. I can't believe you're fourteen already! The past few years have flown by." 

(17) "I guess so. It always seemed like you were flying by to me," Nick muttered. He dropped his eyes to the floor. 

(18) Annisa started to respond, then paused. She gently petted Meanie's back and looked at Nick with a sad smile. "I know. I'm sorry. I didn't have much time for you when you were younger," said Annisa. "I'm hoping we can change that."

(19) "You've seen the error of your ways?" Nick said with a smile.

(20) "Yes. I guess I can stand you now. If Meanie likes you, you must be okay," Annisa yawned. "It's getting late. Meanie and I better head to bed. Hey, there's a film festival downtown. Maybe tomorrow we can check it out." 

(21) "Definitely." Nick nodded.

(22) "Don't stay up too late."

(23) After Annisa left, Nick got up and went back to his room, and flopped down on the futon. His eyes wandered across the bare yellow walls. Suddenly, he got up and started unpacking his bag. With a piece of tape, he attached a picture of his family to the wall. "Better," Nick muttered.

(24) He heard the bedroom door creak open. Turning around, he saw Meanie slip into the room and leap up onto the bed She sat on the comforter looking at him, flicking her tail back and forth, Nick could have sworn she was smilling.

Multiple Choice

Based on the fourth paragraph, what kind of relationship does Nick have with his sister?

• He and his sister are very close.

• He and his sister don't know each other very well.

• He and his sister don't like each other very much.

Multiple Choice

What is the significance of the cat, Meanie, sitting next to Nick?

• It represents Nick's feeling that he has to please his sister all the time.

• It represents Annisa's loneliness after her roommate moved out.

• It represents the way Nick and his sister are growing closer.

Multiple Choice

What is Nick's attitude at the end of the story?

• He feels more comfortable at his sister's apartment.

• He wishes he were back home with the rest of his family.

• He realizes how different he and his sister are.

Multiple Choice

Which quote from the story best supports the idea that Nick feels more comfortable at his sister's apartment?

• After Annisa left, Nick got up and went back to his room and flopped down on the futon.

• His eyes wandered across the bare yellow walls.

• Suddenly, he got up and started unpacking his bag.