The Grapes of Mrs. Rath

Writing Strategies

3.) What would you say is Mockensturm's main idea? How does he convey it to the reader?

I would say Mockensturm's main idea is that some events, some people in our lives will influence us once and then be forgotten. But, as we move on from those people and events we will be subtly reminded of that part of our past. Mockensturm told us how in 1975 his high school teacher, Mrs. Hulda Rath, had introduced him to John Steinbeck books. He told us of how certain students got to go to the library to get away from the classroom settings. The library was a church-like place with wooden everything, huge tall windows, and very vaulted ceilings. Reading John Steinbeck in that holy library was the happiest memories Mockenstrum has of his younger past. As he grows up and has children he forgets about these times. When his children were of age to attend school, they were enrolled in the Horizon program at Mockenstrum's old high school. When he would go to some of the open houses he would go the Mrs.Rath's old classroom and imagine what it was like back in 1975. Then his happiest memories were brought back and he re-lives them again-even if just for that moment.

Exploring Ideas

3.) Consider the people from your past. Explain how their behaviors (even the very subtle ones) influenced your outlook on life.

My 2nd grade teacher, Mrs.Bronson, has influenced and changed my outlook on my life drastically. During my 2nd grade year Mrs. Bronson became seriously ill only one month into the school year and had to take an extended leave. She was the most requested teacher in the school, and most respected teacher. The way she taught my class, the way she taught me, is unforgettable. She adored her job, and she adored every single student. She persevered through the pain, through the surgeries, and through the therapy and recovery. She returned to teaching 2nd grade about 2 years after recovering! I went on with school and on with life. But every once and a while we would come into contact again and I have been asked to volunteer as a teacher's aid for Mrs. Bronson! During these times I think of what she did for me in the month I had her in 2nd grade. I wont ever take events or people in my life for granted, and will take everything I choose to do in stride!