Reading "Boys and Girls"

Now that you are more familiar with the aspects of a short story, it is time to apply that knowledge as you read "Boys and Girls" on p. 44 of your Viewpoints 11 textbook.

Brief Introduction to "Boys and Girls"

Alice Munro's short story, "Boys and Girls" is an intriguing glimpse into the life of an unnamed narrator as she journeys towards adulthood. She is determined not to be stuck inside doing "girl" things and insists on being outside with her father, helping with all the chores that go along with raising foxes. This is a story of a girl grappling with who she is, what it means to be a girl, and what it means to grow up feeling confident with who she is. "Boys and Girls" examines one girl's life relationships with her father, her mother, and her brother, and how these interactions bring her to an acceptance of who she is as a person.

After you have read the short story, complete "Boys and Girls" Self-Assessment Quiz on the next page. This is a self-assessment and is not awarded marks, but completing this self-assessment will confirm your understanding of the story.