Unit 8You go your way, I’ll go mine

外语系：王振洪

Brief Introduction

This is a sad story. A little telegram boy, Homer, was delivering a tragic news to a Mexican woman – Mrs. Sandoval. The news was that her son had died in the war. In this text, with the detailed description of delivering the telegram and Mrs. Sandoval’s response, the two characters’ subtle psychological activities are vividly stated and the subject that the disaster war brings to us are inferred clearly.

What does war bring to people?

Killing, slaughter

Families are split.

destruction, damages

ruins, debris

distorted, twistedDesperation

Role playingRole playing

Detailed studyDetailed study

Why did Homer think he was part of the mistake?

He delivered the bad news, the news of war and death, which would break the woman’s heart, and that made him feel as if he were responsible for her misfortune.

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Why did Homer want to say that “I’m only

a messenger to do so”?

He wanted to relieve his sense of guilt, to explain that he bore no responsibility.

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Why didn’t she touch the telegram?

It seemed that she wanted to avoid facing the reality.

Detailed studyDetailed studyWhy was the boy standing awkwardly

as near the door as he could be but still be

inside the house?The boy wanted to avoid the very unhappy and awkward situation. He stood as near the door as he could be, so he could escape as soon as he had delivered the telegram. Meanwhile he wanted to release the impact of this tragic news, to soften her pain.

SummarySummary

In this part, we’ve learned Homer’s conflicting inner thought and Mrs. Sandoval’s reluctance of hearing the news. In addition, we realize the pain that war brings to human beings.

Question for previewing:Question for previewing:

Why did Homer know the content of the telegram without opening it?

Did the old woman really believe the telegram was from her son Juan?

What telegram might the War Department have sent?

To you what impact does war bring to Homer?

In what way does the title being reflected in this part?