The Old man at the bridge

What is the narrator's job?

soldier

How old is the man?

76

How is historical background important to this short story?

During the time period, there actually was a war happening in Spain

Why does the old man stop and not go across the bridge?

He doesn't know where to go.

What statements from the story suggest that the old man is about to give up on life? Quote specific statements to support your answer.

He thinks about it, then he sits back down

What was the old man doing in his native town?

He was escaping from his last town he lived in because it was unsafe to stay, and he was told to move.

What is special about the day the narrator encounters the old man?

It was Easter Sunday.

What differences exist between the old man in the short story and Santiago in The Old Man and the Sea?

Location, Santiago never gave up, where the Old Man sits back down and does give up.

Explain why the narrator takes so much time to converse with the old man? Use details from the story to support your answer.

Memories, trying to figure out how to help him, and he's confused with the old man's situation

What is the old man's native town?

San Carlos

What is the setting of the story?

Spain

Which animal is the old man least concerned about?

The cat, because she can take care of herself

Why does the old man leave the animals?

The old man was told to leave, and he couldn't take his animals with him.

Of what might the old man be a symbol?

The past, everyone who lost their purpose during the wartimes

The trucks are crossing the bridge and going where?

The trucks are going to Barcelona and leaving from San Carlos.

How does Hemmingway show that war is disrupting the lives of the peasants? Is this portrayal realistic?

They are having to be relocated, losing their homes, land, and their lives.

What similarities exist between the old man in the short story and Santiago in The Old Man and the Sea

They both like to travel and they show that they both won't back down, neither had much to begin with.

What kind of life has the old man been leading? What keeps him going?

simple life, content life

How is the narrator portrayed in the story? How does he treat the old man? Give examples from the text to support your answer.

urgently, annoyance, frustrated