Questions: Thesis and Organization
1. A large part of the essay's impact lies in the ironic contrast between appearance and reality. What details does Staples bring out about himself that contrast with the stereotype of the mugger?
2. Reread paragraph 2, state what Staples means by "unwieldy inheritance." What effects does that inheritance have?
3. In paragraphs 3-5, what effects does the author's walking at night have on others? On himself?
4. In paragraphs 6 and 7, Staples refers to his childhood. Why had he been unaware of his effect on others? What effect did the streets he grew up on have on him?
5. Staples uses examples in paragraphs 8-10. What these all three have in common? What generalization does Staples draw from them?