All the Years of Her Life

Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay.

Differentiation Suggestion: For English learners or struggling writers, strategies that work well include graphic organizers, sentence frames or starters, group work, or oral responses.

Scaffolded Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the bulleted outlines below. Cite details from the text over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. In “All the Years of Her Life,” the character Alfred undergoes a significant transformation.

• How does Alfred change in “All the Years of Her Life”? (topic sentence)
• What is the significance of shoplifting in Alfred’s life? How does his shoplifting from Mr. Carr set the stage for his transformation?
• In your closing sentences, reflect on the overall significance of Alfred’s character development and its impact on the story. Consider the author’s purpose in portraying Alfred’s growth and the themes of responsibility and consequences.

2. The theme of parental love and guidance is prominently portrayed through the character of Alfred’s mother in “All the Years of Her Life.”

• How does the behavior of Alfred’s mother affect his developing maturity in the story? (topic sentence)
• Provide specific examples of how her actions and words influence Alfred’s choices and growth.
• In your closing sentences, reflect on the significance of parental love and guidance in the story, considering what Alfred learns from his mother and the role of their relationship in the overall narrative.

3. The behavior and demeanor of Alfred’s mother changes drastically between the scene at the drugstore and after they leave the store.

• Why does her behavior shift, and what effect does it have on Alfred’s perception of himself and their relationship? (topic sentence)
• Trace how Mrs. Higgins’s behavior changes over the course of the story, examining the specific actions, words, and emotions she displays in each setting.
• In your closing sentences, reflect on the significance of Mrs. Higgins’s contrasting behaviors. Discuss what her behavior reveals about her character and how it relates to the theme of The Selflessness of Maternal Love.

Full Essay Assignments

Student Prompt: Write a structured and well-developed essay. Include a thesis statement, at least three main points supported by text details, and a conclusion.

1. In “All the Years of Her Life,” Alfred’s journey toward maturity is shaped by various factors, including his own actions, the influence of his mother, and the consequences he faces. Write an in-depth, analytical essay that explores the theme of personal growth and responsibility in the story. Discuss how Alfred’s choices, interactions with other characters, and moments of self-reflection contribute to his transformation. What is the impact of Alfred’s mother on his development, particularly in terms of her guidance, her forgiveness, and the lessons she imparts? Consider the story’s exploration of societal expectations, the nature of maturity, and the power of personal accountability. Support your analysis with specific textual references and examples from “All the Years of Her Life.”

2. In “All the Years of Her Life,” Alfred’s actions at the drugstore serve as a catalyst for personal reflection and growth. Explore the complexities of Alfred’s character, analyzing the factors that contribute to his decision-making process and examining the internal conflicts he faces. Consider the themes of responsibility, consequences, and the pursuit of self-discovery and how they intertwine to shape Alfred’s transformative journey throughout the story. Use at least 3 text citations to support your analysis.

3. Alfred’s mother plays a pivotal role throughout “All the Years of Her Life.” Analyze the character of Mrs. Higgins, delving into her motivations, her perspectives, and the underlying emotions that drive her actions. What inferences can be made about her character based on her interactions with Alfred? How does she respond to his mistakes? What does this reveal about her? What is her impact on his journey of growth and maturity? Consider the themes of Maternal Love, sacrifice, and the transformative power of forgiveness, and examine how Mrs. Higgins serves as a catalyst for her son’s personal development. Support your analysis with textual evidence.