The Address (CBL)

by Margo Minco

Short Answer Type Questions

1. How does the narrator describe her initial emotions upon seeing her mother’s belongings at Mrs. Dorling’s house?

Answer: The narrator feels a mix of surprise and discomfort when she sees her mother’s belongings at Mrs. Dorling’s house. The familiar objects, out of their original context, evoke a sense of alienation and loss, making her realize the emotional disconnect from her past.

2. Describe the significance of the narrator’s return to her mother’s former belongings after the war.

Answer: The narrator’s return to her mother’s belongings symbolizes a quest to reclaim her lost identity and heritage after the war. However, the visit underscores the painful realization that the past cannot be resurrected, and what once was familiar now feels alien and distant.

3. How does the title "The Address" reflect the main theme of the story?

Answer: The title "The Address" symbolizes more than just a physical location; it represents a connection to the past. It signifies the search for identity and belonging, as the narrator revisits her mother’s past, only to realize that her connection to it has irrevocably changed.

4. Why does the narrator ultimately decide not to reclaim her mother’s possessions from Mrs. Dorling?

Answer: The narrator decides not to reclaim the possessions because she realizes that the objects, though once dear, have lost their meaning. They no longer evoke the same emotional connection, and the environment in which they are now placed makes her feel detached from her past.

5. What can be inferred about the narrator’s relationship with her mother based on her reaction to the belongings?

Answer: The narrator’s emotional reaction to the belongings suggests a deep connection with her mother. The objects symbolize memories and a lost way of life, indicating that her relationship with her mother was close and filled with sentimental value.

6. Evaluate Mrs. Dorling’s behavior in the story. Was she morally right in keeping the narrator’s mother’s belongings?

Answer: Mrs. Dorling’s behavior can be seen as morally ambiguous. While she initially took the belongings to protect them, her reluctance to return them suggests selfishness. Her actions are driven by practicality rather than empathy, making her morally questionable in the eyes of the narrator.

7. How does the wartime setting influence the actions of the narrator and Mrs. Dorling in the story?

Answer: The wartime setting creates a backdrop of survival and pragmatism. Mrs. Dorling takes the narrator’s mother’s belongings under the pretext of safekeeping, but her actions are driven by self-preservation. The narrator’s visit to retrieve them reflects her need to reconnect with her lost past.

8. Imagine you are the narrator. Write a brief monologue expressing your thoughts after leaving Mrs. Dorling’s house.

Answer: "As I walked away, a heavy emptiness settled in my heart. Those objects—once symbols of comfort—now seemed foreign. They no longer belonged to me. Perhaps, in leaving them behind, I leave behind a part of myself, one that no longer exists in this new world."

Long Answer Type Questions

1. Reflect on how "The Address" by Margo Minco can teach students about the importance of letting go of the past and adapting to new circumstances. How can this lesson be applied to situations like starting at a new school or dealing with changes in friendships?

Answer: "The Address" offers a powerful lesson about the importance of letting go of the past and adapting to new circumstances, a theme that is highly relevant to students. The narrator’s journey to reclaim her mother’s belongings symbolizes a desire to hold onto a lost way of life. However, her decision to leave without taking anything back illustrates the realization that clinging to the past can prevent personal growth and adaptation. This lesson can be particularly valuable for students who face changes, such as starting at a new school or dealing with shifts in friendships. In these situations, holding onto old memories or expecting things to remain the same can hinder one’s ability to move forward and fully engage with new experiences.

Applying this lesson to real-life scenarios, students can learn to accept change as a natural part of life. Whether it’s adjusting to a new school environment or navigating evolving friendships, the key is to remain open to new possibilities and focus on the present. Just as the narrator recognizes that the past cannot be revived, students can understand that embracing change can lead to personal growth, new relationships, and a deeper understanding of themselves. By letting go of the past, they can create space for new opportunities and develop resilience in the face of life’s inevitable changes.

2. Discuss the psychological impact of the narrator’s visit to Mrs. Dorling’s house. How might the story change if the narrator had confronted Mrs. Dorling?

Answer: The narrator’s visit to Mrs. Dorling’s house brings to the surface the deep psychological trauma caused by the war and the loss of her family. The familiar objects, now in a different environment, evoke a sense of dislocation and alienation. The visit forces her to confront the harsh reality that the past is irretrievably lost. 

If the narrator had confronted Mrs. Dorling, the story might have taken on a more confrontational tone, potentially leading to a clash of perspectives. Mrs. Dorling’s justification for keeping the belongings might have revealed her pragmatic, perhaps opportunistic, nature, while the narrator’s confrontation could have led to a cathartic release of her pent-up emotions. This confrontation might have altered the story’s message, shifting the focus from quiet acceptance of loss to an active struggle for justice or closure, thereby changing the tone and resolution of the narrative.