Question

what do fish have to do with anything? by avi 1994
edward irving wortis, best known by his pen - name avi, is an american author of young adult and childrens literature. in this short story, a boy hopes to learn the cure for unhappiness from a beggar. as you read, take notes on how willie and his mother treat the beggar.
1 every day at three oclock mrs. markham waited for her son, willie, to come out of school. they walked home together. if they asked why she did it, mrs. markham would say, parents need to watch their children.
as they left the schoolyard, mrs. markham inevitably asked, how was school?
willie would begin to talk, then stop. he was never sure his mother was listening. she seemed preoccupied with her own thoughts. she had been like that ever since his dad had abandoned them six months ago. no one knew where hed gone. willie had the feeling that his mother was lost too. it made him feel lonely. one monday afternoon, as they approached the apartment building where they lived, she suddenly tugged at him. dont look that way, she said.
2 at that man over there. mom

1. what does the following quote contribute to the overall structure of the story? my name isnt willie. its william. (paragraph 238)

a. it suggests that willie knows he is growing up, but his mother is blind to it.
b. it supports why willie wants to live on the streets rather than live with his mother.
c. it explains why willie wants his mother to call him william now that his father is gone.
d. it describes the confusion willie faces as he realizes that his family will never be the same.

1. how does willies statement youre a fish. you live in a cave contribute to the theme of the story?

a. it suggests that people can be blind to whats around them, too.
b. it reveals how people behave when pushed to their limits.
c. it illustrates how angry will has been with his mother.
d. it proves how fish are just like human beings.

1. compare how willie and his mother treat the beggar and how their actions reveal the theme of the story.

Explanation:

1. Willie's insistence on being called William shows his sense of growing - up and identity formation. His mother's lack of recognition of this is a part of the family dynamic. Option A is correct as it ties into his awareness of growing up.
2. The statement "You're a fish. You live in a cave" implies that people can be blind to their surroundings, which aligns with Option A.
3. Willie shows more empathy and curiosity towards the beggar, while his mother is more dismissive. Willie's actions show his openness and search for meaning, while his mother's actions reflect her pre - occupation with her own problems. This contrast highlights themes of isolation, empathy, and the search for happiness in the story.

Answer:

1. A. It suggests that Willie knows he is growing up, but his mother is blind to it.
2. A. It suggests that people can be blind to what's around them, too.
3. Willie shows empathy and curiosity towards the beggar, while his mother is dismissive. This contrast highlights themes of isolation, empathy, and the search for happiness in the story.