W5 - BALBOA - ANALYZE TEXT (11C2)

Analyze: The narrator says that Balboa is “dragging the mantle of civilization up the pristine slopes, over the mud, over the leaves” (paragraph 2). What does this image suggest about Balboa and the “civilization” that he is bringing with him to the setting of the New World? Support your response with evidence from the text.

Interpret: After Leoncico surprises Balboa on the mountain, the action of the story is interrupted by a flashback. What do readers learn about Balboa from this flashback? What theme does it suggest about the nature of power? Support your response with evidence from the text.

Analyze: Note the references to, and images of, dogs throughout the story. What message does the author convey through these references? Support your response with evidence from the text.

Analyze: What is revealed by the flash forward at the end of the story? How does this revelation affect the overall meaning of the work? Support your response with evidence from the text.

Think about the difference between how Balboa regards himself and how he would like to be regarded. Why does the writer include this information about Balboa? How does this affect your understanding of his character? Support your response with evidence from the text.