Question

So, if you can answer ALL of these questions, you will earn 100 points.

* On page 10, find the passage that begins, “By the end, if you are still alive, you are
breathing through a tube . . .”
Identify the metaphor Morrie uses to describe the effects this disease is having on his body.


-Why is this metaphor a powerful one?




* Morrie decides to have a “living funeral.” Do you think having a “living funeral” is beneficial for both sides (the living who will remain and the dying who will be moving on)? Explain your thoughts.







From “The Student”
* This chapter relates Mitch’s first real experience with death. He tells us about his favorite uncle who died of pancreatic cancer.
A. After Mitch’s uncle’s death, Mitch changes. How so? Be specific!



B. Would you have responded the way Mitch did if you were in his shoes? If yes, why?
If no, why not, and how would you have responded instead?



*How would Morrie feel about the Mitch who is described in this chapter, and why?


From “The Audiovisual”
*Tell at least two examples of how Morrie has physically changed since the onset of his
disease.


*Consider the meeting between Morrie and Ted Koppel, the famous newscaster who
hosts Nightline. First, discuss Morrie’s attitude toward Ted. Then, explain how his attitude toward Ted helps to illustrate how Morrie feels about what society views as important.





*How do we know that Morrie has allowed himself to grieve?



A. What does Morrie dread most at this point about failing physically?


B. Why would Mitch include this little tidbit of information?




From “The Orientation”
*When Mitch visits with Morrie (now or previously in college), they enjoy sharing meals
and conversing. Food serves as a metaphor in their relationship. In future chapters, you will see that Mitch often brings food (literally) to share with Morrie, hoping this food will physically nourish Morrie’s body and make him stronger so that he can live longer. What metaphorical “food” is Morrie providing for Mitch? (Think: For what part of Mitch
is Morrie providing this metaphorical “nourishment”?)

Answer 1

Answer:Morrie uses the metaphor of breathing through a tube to describe the effects the disease is having on his body. This metaphor is powerful because it creates a vivid image in the reader's mind of the struggle Morrie is facing and the loss of autonomy that comes with it.

Having a living funeral can be beneficial for both the living and the dying. For the living, it allows them to say goodbye and begin the grieving process before their loved one passes away. For the dying, it provides an opportunity to hear how much they are loved and appreciated and can bring them a sense of closure.

From "The Student"

A. After Mitch's uncle's death, he changes by becoming more aware of his own mortality and the fragility of life. He becomes more reflective and introspective, and starts to re-evaluate his priorities.

B. Answers may vary, but it's possible that some people may have responded similarly to Mitch by becoming more introspective and re-evaluating their priorities. Others may have responded differently by trying to distract themselves from their grief.

*It's not clear which Mitch is being referred to in this question.

From "The Audiovisual"

*Two examples of how Morrie has physically changed since the onset of his disease are that he has lost a significant amount of weight and has trouble walking.

*Morrie is initially dismissive of Ted Koppel, but he eventually warms up to him and becomes more open. This illustrates how Morrie feels about what society views as important because he initially dismisses Koppel, who is a famous newscaster, but becomes more open once he realizes that Koppel is genuinely interested in him as a person.

*We know that Morrie has allowed himself to grieve because he is open about his emotions and doesn't try to hide or suppress them. He talks openly about his fears and regrets, and allows himself to cry.

A. Morrie dreads the loss of his ability to care for himself and become a burden on others.

B. Mitch may have included this information to emphasize the physical toll the disease is taking on Morrie and the fear and anxiety it is causing him.

From "The Orientation"

*Morrie provides metaphorical nourishment for Mitch's soul. He helps Mitch to become more reflective and introspective, and encourages him to live a meaningful life. He serves as a mentor and role model for Mitch, and helps him to become a better person.

What can I say to you your welcome - Doctor Suess.