All the Years of Her Life

Reading Check

1. Sam Carr (Paragraph 1)

2. He asks Alfred to empty his pocket. (Paragraph 3)

3. A compact, a tube of lipstick, and two tubes of toothpaste that he intended to steal from the store (Paragraph 5)

4. Alfred’s mother seems sad and disappointed, but she remains composed and calm. (Paragraphs 19-22)

5. She looks old and tired. (Paragraphs 43-44)

Short Answer

1. Alfred’s mother plays a significant role in resolving the situation by being kind and composed. The text states, “Mrs. Higgins put out her hand and touched Sam Carr’s arm with an understanding gentleness, and speaking as though afraid of disturbing him, she said, ‘If only you would listen to me before doing anything.’” Her calm demeanor defuses the tension and invites Mr. Carr to be equally calm and generous; he finally decides not to call the cops. (Paragraphs 28-33)

2. Throughout the story, Alfred’s perception of his mother evolves as he gains a deeper understanding of her love and concern. He initially expects her to “rush in with her eyes blazing,” but she surprises him by arriving with a smile on her face and a dignified attitude. At home, however, he observes how the evening’s events have exhausted her: “He knew all the years of her life by the way her hand trembled as she raised the cup to her lips.” In this moment, he acknowledges her sacrifices and develops empathy toward her. (Various paragraphs)

3. Sam Carr looks “worried” as he muses aloud that he doesn’t want to simply call the police on Alfred. He says he liked Alfred and wanted to trust him; the empathy he feels for the young man makes him reluctant to react harshly. He did not confront Alfred the first time he stole things, perhaps hoping that it would not happen again. All these details point to the empathy Mr. Carr feels toward Alfred, despite his bad behavior. (Various paragraphs)

4. In his job at the drugstore, Alfred has behaved immaturely, as he has his whole life. He has finished school but still lives with his parents, apparently unable to take on adult responsibility. In contrast, Alfred’s mother does not make excuses to Mr. Carr. She acknowledges her son’s actions while skillfully protecting him from getting arrested or getting in trouble with his father. When Alfred finally has a moment of understanding about his mother’s life, “his youth seem[s] to be over” and he begins to have a mature perspective. (Various paragraphs)

5. Alfred’s mother exemplifies the selflessness of maternal love through her unwavering support. She leaps out of bed to go to the drugstore to rescue her son. On their way home, she says to Alfred, “Be quiet. Don’t speak to me. You’ve disgraced me again and again,” highlighting her disappointment and frustration. At the same time, she has kept Alfred out of jail and does not plan to burden her husband with this latest problem. (Various paragraphs)