1. On The Sidewalk Bleeding
Evan Hunter
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Task: Discuss how Evan Hunter makes us feel sympathy for someone that we might not normally feel sorry for.
Introduction: briefly tell the story (no more than three sentences) and explain that this essay will show how the story makes us sympathise with someone we would not normally relate to.
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2. On The Sidewalk Bleeding
Evan Hunter
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Section One Characterisation:
How do other people in the story see Andy?
What do people think of gangs and gang members in the story?
What aspects of Andy make us feel sympathy for him (e.g. his relationship with Laura, his desire to get out of the projects)?
How does the way the story is told (with Andy being unable to speak and his thoughts in italics) affect the way we relate to Andy?
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3. On The Sidewalk Bleeding
Evan Hunter
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Section Two - Imagery: The jacket
What does it look like (be specific) – why do you think it looks like this?
What was Andy’s original attitude to it and how has that attitude changed?
Describe his struggle to remove the jacket and explain what removing it means to him.
The rain - describe how the writer uses the rain (repeated references). How does this affect the mood of the story?
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4. On The Sidewalk Bleeding
Evan Hunter
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Section Three: Theme
In what ways is the story similar to and different from the Good Samaritan? 
Does this affect how much sympathy you have for Andy?
What is your response to the ending of the story – is there any positive element, or is the whole picture just one of bleakness?
Does this make you feel sympathy for Andy?
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5. On The Sidewalk Bleeding
Evan Hunter
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Conclusion:
Look at Andy’s thoughts once he realises he’s dying. What does this make you think about your own life?
In what way has it affected your attitudes towards him and other people with whom you would normally have no sympathy?
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