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Study Guide for Alice Munro's "Boys and Girls" Short Stories for Students

Haruki Murakami

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Alice Munro's "Boys and Girls" is a collection of eight short stories that explore the complex relationships between men and women, parents and children, and the past and present. Munro's stories are known for their lyrical prose, subtle characterization, and insightful exploration of human nature.

This study guide provides a comprehensive overview of Munro's "Boys and Girls" short stories for students. Each section includes a plot summary, character analysis, discussion questions, and a list of additional resources.

"Boys and Girls"

The title story of the collection, "Boys and Girls," follows the narrator as she reflects on her childhood in rural Ontario. She remembers the games she played with her friends, the stories her parents told her, and the secrets she kept from them. As she grows older, she realizes that the world is not as simple as she once thought it was, and that the line between boys and girls is not as clear as it seems.

A Study Guide for Alice Munro's "Boys and Girls" (Short Stories for Students)

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Language	:	English
File size	:	660 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	19 pages

"The Beggar Maid"

"The Beggar Maid" tells the story of Rose, a young woman who is struggling to make ends meet. She meets a wealthy man named Alaric at a party, and he offers to help her out. Rose is initially hesitant, but she eventually accepts his offer and moves into his mansion. However, she soon discovers that Alaric is not as kind and generous as he seems.

"Privilege"

"Privilege" follows the story of Flo, a young woman who is living in a boarding house in Toronto. She meets a married man named Jack, and they begin an affair. Flo is initially attracted to Jack's sophistication and worldliness, but she eventually realizes that he is not the man she thought he was.

"The Moons of Jupiter"

"The Moons of Jupiter" tells the story of a young couple, Neil and Sheila, who are struggling with their relationship. Neil is a successful businessman, but he is emotionally distant and neglectful. Sheila is a stay-at-home mom, and she is feeling isolated and alone. The couple's relationship is further strained when Neil has an affair.

"The Love of a Good Woman"

"The Love of a Good Woman" follows the story of a woman named Garnet, who is struggling to cope with the death of her husband. She meets a younger man named Stu, and they begin a relationship. However, Garnet is not sure if she is ready to move on from her husband.

"Meneseteung"

"Meneseteung" tells the story of a group of young women who are working in a tobacco factory in the 1940s. The women are all from different backgrounds, and they have different experiences with men. The story explores the themes of sexual exploitation, violence, and independence.

"Wild Swans"

"Wild Swans" follows the story of a woman named Del Jordan, who is struggling to come to terms with her father's death. She retreats to the family cottage, where she begins to write her father's biography. As she writes, she learns more about her father and his life, and she begins to understand him better.

"The View from Castle Rock"

"The View from Castle Rock" follows the story of a woman named Laura, who is struggling to cope with the death of her mother. She travels to Ireland, where she visits the castle that her mother always dreamed of visiting. As she explores the castle, she begins to learn more about her mother and her life.

The Narrator ("Boys and Girls")

The narrator of "Boys and Girls" is a complex and multifaceted character. She is intelligent, perceptive, and insightful, but she is also struggling to come to terms with her own identity and place in the world. As she grows older, she realizes that the world is not as simple as she once thought it was, and that the line between boys and girls is not as clear as it seems.

Rose ("The Beggar Maid")

Rose is a young woman who is struggling to make ends meet. She is naive and trusting, and she is easily taken advantage of by others. However, she is also strong and resilient, and she is determined to make a better life for herself.

Flo ("Privilege")

Flo is a young woman who is living in a boarding house in Toronto. She is intelligent, ambitious, and independent, but she is also lonely and isolated. She meets a married man named Jack, and they begin an affair. However, Flo soon discovers that Jack is not the man she thought he was.

Neil ("The Moons of Jupiter")

Neil is a successful businessman, but he is emotionally distant and neglectful. He is not a good husband to Sheila, and he is not a good father to their children. However, he is also a complex and flawed character, and he is struggling with his own demons.

Sheila ("The Moons of Jupiter")

Sheila is a stay-at-home mom who is feeling isolated and alone. She is not happy in her marriage, and she is struggling to cope with her husband's infidelity. However, she is also a strong and resilient woman, and she is determined to make

A Study Guide for Alice Munro's "Boys and Girls" (Short Stories for Students)

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