Like a House On Fire - Cate Kennedy Case Study - Five-Dollar Family - English Assignment Help

Assignment Task:

LIKE A HOUSE ON FIRE – CATE KENNEDY

Comprehension Questions:

Flexion 
1. How does Kennedy describe the farm? Can you find some words or phrases that remind you of the Slovak’s marriage? 
2. Make a list of the similes in the story. 
3. How does Kennedy create a lack of sympathy for Frank? 
4. Why is the story titled ‘Flexion’? 
5. Would you describe the ending as hopeful?   

Laminex and Mirrors 

1. What is the effect of Kennedy’s decision not to name the narrator? 
2. Make a list of the vocabulary used to describe the plastic surgery ward and its patients. How does the vocabulary compare to that used in describing Mr Moreton and his room? 
3. There are many references to cleaning such as ‘spraying and wiping’ and ‘yellow cloth rises and falls’. What other examples can you find? Why does Kennedy create this imagery about mirrors and surfaces? What is the significance of the title ‘Laminex and Mirrors’?

Tender 

1. Reread Christine’s memory of finding the lump on page 66. Make a list of the words and phrases that Kennedy uses to show how aware Christine is of this invader in her body. 
2. How does the diorama become a metaphor for Christine’s dream home? 
3. Why is the word ‘tomorrow’ repeated throughout the story? 
4. What do you think would have been on Al’s mind this night? Does your answer match the impression Christine provides of him?   

Like a House on Fire 

1. Kennedy places a great deal of emphasis on the words that describe the movement, and its associated pain for the narrator. Collect some these words and phrases. 
2. ‘Oh, Merry Christmas, father of the year.’ (p.78) Discuss how the injury has affected the narrator’s sense of masculinity and fatherhood. In light of this, what is the significance of the ending? 
3. How does Kennedy convey the tension between husband and wife in this story? 
4. Discuss the story’s title. How does this metaphor drive the story?   

Five-Dollar Family 

1. Make a list of some keywords and phrases used to construct Des’ character. 
2. In what ways is Michelle depicted as strong and Des as disappointingly weak? 
3. Find examples of three similes in the story and consider Kennedy’s purpose in using each. 
4. Why is this story titled ‘Five-Dollar Family’? Why will Michelle choose the portrait without the jacket?   

Whirlpool 

1. There are many references to photos and the act of photography in the story. Collet examples and consider why photos are such an important motif. Compare this to the photo in ‘Five-Dollar Family’.
2. What is the effect of the girls calling their mother ‘she’? 
3. How is the relationship between husband and wife presented? Has Anna provided any hints of affection in the relationship? 
4. Why is the pool so important to the girls and their father?   

Cake 

1. What irony can you see in the name of the childcare centre, Kidz Resort? 
2. Why does the story end with Liz ‘carefully, expertly’ slipping off her watch? (p.179) 
3. What is the significance of the title ‘Cake’?

Static 
1. How does Kennedy use personification in the story? Give specific examples. 
2. How does the use of ‘Evil Rays’ contribute to our interpretation of the relationships Anthony has with his wife and mother? 
3. Kennedy writes this story from the male perspective. Does this enable her to comment on marriage and family life in ways that might be different from a female perspective? 
4. ‘Static’ is a story about longing, as well as interference. What does each of the characters long for? 
5. How does Kennedy present Marie’s obsession with appearance and material object?

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