By: William Trevor

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The Distant past is a story

about the Middleton family. The story takes place in the World War II era. This is a rapidly changing era that will change the course of history forever, and the Middleton's must find a way to adapt to this time.

TSW identify the moral of the story, The Distant Past, by reading and discussing the story. TSW use comprehensive skills to identify what traits the characters will use throughout the story.

Objectives

Read the Background on page 1296 and write down three important things that you believe have to relate to the story.

1. In your group, make a character chart for the following character: Mr. Middleton, Mrs. Middleton, and Mr. Driscoll. Give 2 traits and their individual role in the story.

How can you relate to the following?: 1. The Middletons are an average family during rough times. 2. The Middletons are forced to go through a time of adaptation to survive in their era. 3. The Midletons have some trouble adapting to the time era and must learn what to do.

4. The middletons finally adapt to their era.

Discuss as a group how you can relate to this.

Theme: The theme of the story, The Distant Past, is the struggle of change in the time of the World War II era. Give the insight for the following: How do you think the Middleton's react to this era?

What major changes occur during this time period?

If you were in this time, how would you adapt? Write down your insight for each discuss with a group your answers.