On The Sidewalk Bleeding Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the setting of 'On The Sidewalk Bleeding'?

It opens on a rainy night, in a New York alleyway. It is cold, dark and rainy, and seems to take place in the past.

What is a theme/message of the story?

The importance of being yourself: Gangs take away your identity.

What kinds of external conflict are in the story?

Person versus person - a Guardian stabs Andy.

Is there internal conflict in the story?

True Signup and view all the answers

From what point of view is the story told?

Third person limited. Signup and view all the answers

What is the rising action of the story?

While Andy is lying on the ground dying, a drunk, a young couple, and an old lady all enter the alley, but none of them help Andy. Signup and view all the answers

What is the climax of the story?

Andy realizes he is dying and doesn't want to be seen as just another dead Royal, so he struggles to get the jacket off and roll away from it before he dies. Signup and view all the answers

What is the falling action?

Laura finds Andy dead and runs for the police. The officer opens his notebook to start writing about the crime. Signup and view all the answers

What is the conclusion?

The officer ignores Andy's name, calling him 'a Royal.' Signup and view all the answers

Provide an example of a metaphor from the story.

The rain was beating a steady relentless tattoo on the cans. Signup and view all the answers

Provide an example of personification from the story.

The knife hated only the purple jacket. Signup and view all the answers

What is inference?

A conclusion based on evidence, logic, and personal experience. Signup and view all the answers

Who/What is the antagonist in 'On the Sidewalk Bleeding'?

Guardians and/or the purple jacket. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of protagonist?

The main character in a story, the character who drives the story forward trying to overcome a conflict. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of antagonist?

The main source of conflict for the protagonist, usually a character. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main symbol in the story?

The purple Royals jacket. Signup and view all the answers

To Freddie and Angela, what does the jacket symbolize?

Danger, gang violence, a warning to stay away. Signup and view all the answers

By the end of the story, what does the jacket symbolize?

Loss of identity, regret, death. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Setting

The story opens on a cold, rainy night in a New York alleyway, evoking a dark, historical atmosphere.

Theme

Highlights the significance of individuality, emphasizing how gangs can strip away personal identity.

External Conflict

Includes a person versus person conflict when a Guardian stabs the protagonist, Andy.

Internal Conflict

Andy experiences a person versus self struggle, grappling with his desire to be himself amid gang affiliation.

Point of View

The narrative is told from a third person limited perspective, focusing on Andy's thoughts and emotions.

Rising Action

As Andy lies dying, he observes various passerby—a drunk, a young couple, and an old lady—none of whom offer assistance.

Climax

The pivotal moment occurs when Andy realizes he is dying and fights to remove his jacket and distance himself from being just another casualty of gang violence.

Falling Action

Laura discovers Andy's lifeless body and rushes to contact the police, while an officer begins to document the incident.

Conclusion

The officer disregards Andy's identity by labeling him merely as “a Royal,” indicating societal disregard for individual lives.

Metaphor

The rain is described as beating a “steady relentless tattoo on the cans,” symbolizing the overwhelming nature of Andy's predicament.

Personification

The knife is described to “hate only the purple jacket,” signifying its role in the violence associated with gang life.

Inference

Inferences can be drawn from evidence and personal experiences, aiding in understanding character motivations and themes.

Antagonist

The antagonistic forces are represented by the Guardians and the purple jacket, embodying the societal pressures of gang affiliation.

Protagonist Definition

The protagonist is the main character who drives the narrative forward, striving to overcome their internal and external conflicts.

Antagonist Definition

The antagonist is the primary source of conflict for the protagonist, often represented by a character or group opposing their goals.

Main Symbol

The purple Royals jacket serves as a central symbol throughout the story, representing gang identity and its consequences.

Symbolism for Freddie and Angela

For Freddie and Angela, the jacket represents danger, gang violence, and a warning to avoid affiliation with gangs.

Jacket Symbolism at Conclusion

By the end, the jacket symbolizes loss of identity, regret, and impending death, illustrating its multifaceted significance in the narrative.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the short story 'On The Sidewalk Bleeding' with these flashcards. Explore the setting, themes, and conflicts presented in the narrative. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of this impactful tale.