Average Waves in Unprotected Waters

What is the true motivation for Bet’s decision to institutionalize Arnold? Is it an altruistic move, meant to provide Arnold with better care? Is it purely selfish? Use textual evidence to support your argument.

In an interview with The Guardian, Anne Tyler claims that “up close you’ll always see things to be optimistic about” (Freeman, Hadley. “Interview with Anne Tyler.” The Guardian, 11 Apr. 2020). Where does Tyler illuminate optimism in this story? Use textual evidence to support your claims.

Would you call Anne Tyler a feminist writer? Why or why not? Use textual evidence to support your argument.

In the story, Bet questions whose genes are responsible for Arnold’s disabilities. How have understandings of and discussions about disability evolved since the 1970s? Discuss both artistic representations and social changes such as the 1990 Americans With Disabilities Act.

Describe Tyler’s tone in this story. How does she use tone to convey the themes? Use textual evidence to support your claims.

Tyler provides very little information about Bet and Avery’s marriage, but we do know that eventually it becomes “grim and cranky” (33). What do you imagine the nature of their relationship was leading up to this? Did they ever have a happy marriage? What details in the story point you to your conclusion?

Anne Tyler has been lauded for her detailed, insightful portrayals of ordinary people and everyday moments. Besides Bet’s story, what routine details of life does she highlight in this story? Why are they important to the overall meaning of the story? Use textual evidence to support your claims.

When Bet and Arnold are on the train, they are distracted by a scene involving the ticket taker and a “tiny black lady in a purple coat” (34). This incident occupies several paragraphs in a four-page story. What is the significance of this sequence? How does it function within the story? Use textual evidence to support your claims.