4.2 Self-Assessment: "The Hockey Sweater"

Answer the following plot questions on "The Hockey Sweater".

Introduction or Setting: Where does the story take place? When does the story take place?

The story takes place in 1946 in rural Quebec where the French are trying to maintain their identity in an English speaking country. At this time French Canadians felt it was unfair to be forced to be part of English Canada.
Initial Incident: What minor problem first affects the main character?

The boy needs a new sweater. He has outgrown his #9 "Rocket" Richard sweater.
Conflict or Problem:  What major problem does the main character face?

The main character is forced to wear a Toronto Maple Leafs Hockey Sweater but he and his friends idolize the Montreal Canadiens.  The person vs person conflict reflects French and English tensions in Canada.
Rising Action:  How does the author increase tension in the story?

The boy's tears and pleading with his mom increase the tension in the story.

Suspense increases when his mom tells him he must not let a perfectly good sweater go to waste; he must wear the Toronto hockey sweater to the game with his friends.
Climax:  What is the point of highest suspense or tension in the story? What decision does the main character make that affects most characters and the story ending?

The point of highest suspense is when the boy gets a penalty for playing when he is supposed to be on the bench. The boy must make a key decision. How will he react to something he perceives to be unfair?
Falling Action: Summarize the effects of that decision on other characters.

The boy breaks his stick on the ice and is punished for his temper tantrum. He pleads with God for moths to destroy his sweater.
Dénouement: What is the outcome of the problem? What happens to the main character?

The outcome of the story is that the boy does not change and he is stuck with the sweater, something he perceives to be unfair.



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