Page 21 - Point 5 Literature Program Option 1 Teachers Guide (2) (1)

in fact does nothing. Mr. Cattanzara, on the other hand, has apparently told people in the
neighborhood that george is reading, and george is finally able to experience a sense of that
respect he so desires (even though it is under false pretences). We note that his father indicates
non-verbally he is proud of him. In fact, his father says nothing throughout the story. This
suggests that he is something of a non-figure in George’s life.
George makes the most of his new status – making sure to bask in his new-found ‘respect’ by
walking through the neighborhood every evening. This is a rare opportunity for George to
discover that respect and approval make him feel every bit as good about himself as he thought
they would. His new improved reality means that he no longer needs to escape to his dream
world – the park. And yet – he still does not do any serious reading.

Part III
The only thing that makes George uneasy is Mr. Cattanzara – the one person who might
discover the truth. note the words uneasy, scared, uncomfortable used to describe george
as he does everything he can to avoid another encounter. We are not told whether mr.
Cattanzara actually sees George crossing the street to avoid him, but it seems that Mr.
Cattanzara is prepared to give George some ‘space’.

george now realizes that he cannot maintain the respect he wants so much if it is all based on
a lie but once again he is quick to come up with excuses for not actually doing any reading.
George’s second encounter with a quietly drunk Mr. Cattanzara is crucial. Note that despite
being drunk, Mr. Cattanzara is perfectly sober about the message he wants to send George.
He does not berate george for not reading but is much more subtle, because his goal is to
help george to help himself and he knows that reading is the key to education. First he treats
george like he did when he was a child: Go buy yourself a lemon ice, Georgie. He lets george
know he is aware that george has been lying, and he considers him immature: No, you ain’t.
Then he presses further by asking about the books, to which, of course, George has no answers.
george’s embarrassment can be seen in both the expressions crumbling apart and years later.
The scene ends with the sentence that shows us the motive for Mr. Cattanzara’s choice first to
encourage george by telling the neighborhood he is reading and later to confront him here –
Don’t do what I did. in other words, don’t waste your potential and end up with a miserable,
unsatisfactory life.

George is now at his lowest point. His shame at being ‘found out’ by Mr. Cattanzara – and also
by sophie, who is very angry when she realizes he is not reading – is as great as his desire for
respect. dreading the reaction of other people in the neighborhood, he hides in his room and
we see again the non-role of the father, who can only weep. It is not only the heat that is stifling
george but the situation he has put himself in.

Part IV
The heat drives George into the streets again and he is relieved to discover that not only has Mr.
Cattanzara not told everyone that he hasn’t been reading – he has actually lied to them, saying
that george has completed his reading.
There is a time interval here, as this paragraph begins, One evening in the fall. We can understand
that George has had time to assimilate this latest message sent indirectly by Mr. Cattanzara:
‘Finishing your education is so important and i believe in you so much that i am prepared

A summer’s reAding 21