Podcast
Questions and Answers
What time does Mrs. Anderson typically come home?
What time does Mrs. Anderson typically come home?
Which room in the Andersons' house is Bessie most associated with?
Which room in the Andersons' house is Bessie most associated with?
What did Bessie pack for Maisie's lunch?
What did Bessie pack for Maisie's lunch?
What was the weather like as Bessie ended her shopping?
What was the weather like as Bessie ended her shopping?
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How does Bessie sign her name when managing the family's account at the shop?
How does Bessie sign her name when managing the family's account at the shop?
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What type of music was being played by the fiddler at the park?
What type of music was being played by the fiddler at the park?
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What activity do the children engage in at the park?
What activity do the children engage in at the park?
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What was Mrs. Anderson advised to do more by the family doctor?
What was Mrs. Anderson advised to do more by the family doctor?
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What is depicted as the tallest building in the nation and a source of pride for the town?
What is depicted as the tallest building in the nation and a source of pride for the town?
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What emotion does Bessie experience while using the elevator in the Griffin Building?
What emotion does Bessie experience while using the elevator in the Griffin Building?
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What type of offices are primarily found on Mr. Anderson's floor?
What type of offices are primarily found on Mr. Anderson's floor?
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Why did Bessie visit the Griffin Building that day?
Why did Bessie visit the Griffin Building that day?
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What did Bessie notice about the clientele of the saloons she chose to avoid?
What did Bessie notice about the clientele of the saloons she chose to avoid?
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What change in circumstances does Bessie reflect on as she walks past the bank?
What change in circumstances does Bessie reflect on as she walks past the bank?
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What type of buildings does Bessie encounter as she heads home?
What type of buildings does Bessie encounter as she heads home?
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What was the primary sentiment expressed by the assistant as Bessie and her children left Mr. Anderson's office?
What was the primary sentiment expressed by the assistant as Bessie and her children left Mr. Anderson's office?
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Study Notes
Setting the Scene
- The Andersons reside in an attractive clapboard house situated at the intersection of Washington and Main, away from the town's commercial activities.
- The house layout includes a wide front porch, parlor, dining room, kitchen, and a staircase leading to bedrooms shared by Maisie and Raymond.
- Bessie, presumably a servant or caretaker, primarily occupies the first floor handling household tasks and caring for the children.
Daily Life of Bessie
- Bessie is responsible for daily chores, children's meals, and errands, highlighting her role within the family dynamics.
- During afternoon naps, Bessie finds solace in the window seat, observing the nearby Griffin Building's impressive architecture.
- A typical day includes packing lunches, visiting the park, engaging in children's games, and managing shopping at the end of the week.
Family Dynamics
- Mrs. Anderson's activities are influenced by a doctor’s recommendation to spend more time outside, balancing social engagements and charity work for a new hospital.
- At home, Mrs. Anderson shows affection towards her children and expresses gratitude towards Bessie, demonstrating a close relationship despite class differences.
The Griffin Building
- The Griffin Building is a notable landmark, serving as a symbol of economic prosperity and architectural pride, being one of the tallest buildings in the nation.
- Housing various businesses and offices, including a prestigious bank and Mr. Anderson's law offices, the building’s upper floors are seldom vacant, emphasizing high demand for space.
Bessie's Evening Routine
- After an eventful day, Bessie walks back to her dormitories, utilizing Main Street as a social hub, rich with shops and establishments.
- She observes shop windows and takes mental notes of new displays, indicating her awareness and enjoyment of the town's vibrancy.
- Bessie's sense of freedom is underscored as she navigates the streets without fear of harassment, contrasting with her past experiences.
Reflections on Status
- Bessie reflects on her shift in circumstances; she no longer endures mistreatment and encounters recognized figures from Mrs. Anderson's social circle.
- Throughout her walk, she avoids disreputable areas and is mindful of her past, hinting at complex social relationships and personal history.
- The narrative emphasizes Bessie’s emerging independence and the societal changes that impact her life within her position in the Anderson household.
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Description
Explore the setting and characters of the Anderson family as they navigate life in their charming clapboard house. This quiz delves into the details of their household, daily activities, and relationships. Test your knowledge on the themes and nuances presented in this literary piece.
