TEENAGE WASTELAND Short Story by Anne Tyler
Feb 24, 2016
TEENAGE WASTELANDShort Story by Anne Tyler
Background Anne Tyler is an American author She is one of very few writing about the
teenage experience at the time The story is written in, and takes place in,
the 1960’s; a time that held strong views of how teens should act.
What do you know about the 1960’s?Brainstorm 10 ideas with a partner, write them
down in your notes
What are some stereotypes about teenagers?Brainstorm 10 ideas with a partner, write them
down in your notes
Prediction Based on the title “Teenage Wasteland,”
predict what the general attitude will be toward teens in the story
Sound Familiar?
Anne Tyler’s “Teenage Wasteland” is titled after a verse in the song “Baba O’Riley”, written by Pete Townsend and performed by The Who.
You may also recognize The Who from their appearance on The Simpsons, November 2000.
Sound Familiar?
Anne Tyler’s “Teenage Wasteland” is titled after a verse in the song “Baba O’Riley”, written by Pete Townsend and performed by The Who.
Listen
Out here in the fieldsI fight for my mealsI get my back into my livingI don't need to fightTo prove I'm rightI don't need to be forgivenDon't cryDon't raise your eyeIt's only teenage wasteland
Sally, take my handTravel south cross landPut out the fireDon't look past my shoulderThe exodus is hereThe happy ones are nearLet's get togetherBefore we get much older
Teenage wastelandIt's only teenage wastelandTeenage wastelandOh, ohTeenage wastelandThey're all wasted!
Baba O'RileyWritten by Pete Townsend Performing Artist: The WhoAlbum: Who's Next
Written Response What does “Teenage Wasteland” symbolize
in the song? What does it symbolize to you, today?
(Short Answer) in full sentences and be prepared to share out to the class
Interesting Pete Townshend [later]
claimed in an interview that, at least in part, "Baba O'Riley" was about what he witnessed during The Who's performance at Woodstock. He stated in an interview that "'Baba O' Riley' is about the absolute desolation of teenagers at Woodstock,.’” [4]
Reading the Story Please take notes on the following as we
read through the story:
Examples of the lit terms covered today * Protagonist * Antagonist * Foreshadowing * Symbolism * Allusion
Important quotes (this does not necessarily mean “dialogue”)
Discussion Prompt
Which two characters are to blame for Donny running away?
Discuss at your tables Using whiteboards, web diagram 2 characters around the
question Use quotes and examples to support 10 minutes – be prepared to share out to the class
Writing Prompt
Which two characters are to blame for Donny running away? 1 page minimum Paragraph 1 = Character 1 Paragraph 2 = Character 2 Use 2-3 quotes per paragraph and examples for support Will be graded according to rubric Hand in your rubric stapled to the back of your work
Review What are the 3 most important symbols in
the story and what do they mean?
Groups of 3Justify with evidence from the storyEach person in the group presents 1 idea
Example: The Basketball