Martha, Martha - Literary Analysis

Theme: Appearances Can Be Misleading
True or False: Martha’s accent makes her seem like a wealthy person, but she is not, as she cannot afford a $2,000 place.

• True

• False

Theme: Appearances Can Be Misleading

Which character appears to have the perfect life but has struggled with a divorce in the past?

• Martha

• Pam

• The Middle-Eastern men

Theme: Diverse Approaches to Living a Worthy Life

How does Pam deal with the tough times in her life (like her divorce)?

• She tries to control her emotions

• She feels overwhelmed and cannot move on

• She chooses to be optimistic despite her adversity

Theme: Diverse Approaches to Living a Worthy Life

How do the Middle-Eastern men show resilience despite their tough situation?

• They complain about their struggles

• They build a snowman together and seem happy

• They give up on finding happiness

Figurative Language Linked to Theme

Which of these is a simile linked to the theme that everyone is struggling to survive, no matter their background?

• "Martha’s search for a home"

• "Like some prehistoric bird"

• "Snow covered the ground"

Figurative Language Linked to Theme

What does Martha’s search for a home represent in the story?

• Her desire to travel

• The struggle of making a new country feel like home

• Her inability to move forward in life

Objects Showing Complexity of Characters

What do Pam’s objects (Chinese slippers, Mozart CD, etc.) show about her character?

• She is not very sophisticated

• She struggles to express herself

• She is a sophisticated and cultured person

Setting Linked to Theme

How does the setting (Freezing Massachusetts winter) contribute to the theme?

• It’s a symbol of discomfort and poverty

• It shows beauty under the surface, revealing a deeper theme

• It has no real impact on the theme of the story

Setting Linked to Theme

Why is the post-9/11 setting important to the theme?

• It shows how Pam and Martha completely ignore the impact of the events around them

• It highlights the fear and uncertainty of the time, which connects to Pam and Martha’s challenges

• It reflects economic prosperity, showing how the characters are unaffected

Theme: Confronting Your Past Leads to Personal Growth

Who is held back by their past and is unable to move forward in life?

• Martha

• Pam

• The Middle-Eastern Men