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