Mrs. Bixby and the Colonel’s Coat - by Roald Dahl

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you think Mr. Bixby knows about his wife’s relationship with the Colonel?
2. Mrs. Bixby’s plan for keeping the mink coat does not work. What would you have done in her position?
3. What do you think Mrs. Bixby will do, now that she knows her husband is unfaithful to her? What would you do?
4. Compare what we know of the two men in Mrs. Bixby’s life.
5. What do you think are the Colonel’s “personal reasons” for not seeing Mrs. Bixby any more?
6. Do you feel sympathy for Mrs. Bixby or do you feel she deserves what happens to her in the end?
7. Did you like the story? Why / why not?

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty - by James Thurber

Discussion Questions:

1. What is Walter Mitty’s internal conflict? How does he escape from it?
2. Describe Walter Mitty’s personality and the changes produced in him. Consider his real life and his daydreams.
3. What kind of relationship do Walter and his wife have?
4. In his fantasies Walter Mitty turns out to be triumphant, a hero. What different roles does he play? Mention instances from the text which show that he is a successful man.
5. How does the story end? What does it show?

...and do not forget to record your opinion in voxopop

The Way Up to Heaven - by Liliana

Violence and silence

“Violence and abuse affect all kinds of people every day. It doesn't matter what race or culture you come from, how much money you have, how old you are, or if you have a disability. Violence does not discriminate.
Abuse can be physical, mental, and emotional. Violence against women in any form is a crime, whether the abuser is a family member; someone you date; a current or past spouse, boyfriend, or girlfriend; an acquaintance; or a stranger. You are not at fault. You did not cause the abuse to occur. If you or someone you know has been sexually, physically, or emotionally abused, seek help.”



After reading “The Way up to Heaven” by Dahal, I could link the theme of this story to a problem that occured in the past , occurs now and I hope it wont occur in the future, violence. The previous text that I have included explains in a few words what violence means and it also explains that violence doesnt discriminate .
The woman in Dahl’s story, Mrs Foster is a victim of his husband but there are also husbands victims of their wives , kids victims of their parents or other members of their families, old parents victims of their sons etc.
Mrs Foster conspiratorial silence helps her husband to go on with mental and emotional abuse. An economical dependant woman that lives according to her middle class life , who perhaps has accepted his cruelty for years in the relationship. A woman who is understimated by her husband, and that one day when he has an accident in the elevador she finds the opportunity to be free. An accident that with her silence turns out to be a crime cause he has been closed in the elevator more than a month alone without any help. She cant find a way to leave him , to be free with any damage and violence occurs again.

Readings

Hi!.
If you don't have enough with the material of our summer e-book clubbing, or you're just more a 'hearing' person, check the Readings section of the BBC Radio's website, where you can find stories read by famous actors or writers. Another interesting section is Books and Authors, a podcast that features conversations with leading authors about their work. Hope you enjoy it.

See you!.

Sol.

Zach Wahls Speaks about Family