Structure
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Beginning
The exposition introduces the setting and characters of the short story. William and Albert sit on a bench in a park.
The scene when Albert chokes on his drink (ll. 8-10) foreshadows the scene when William is left out of breath due to his illness. Similarly, William’s statemen…
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Middle
The rising action is marked by William and Albert joking about their homelessness: “ ‘Reckon they think we’re undesirables’ ” (l. 22). Their exchange reflects the judgement from society faced by homeless people, which often stops them from receiving proper care and help.
A tension point is created when Albert leaves and William is left alone. The lack of any apparent sign of spring creates inner tension for William: “it all looked so dreary and dead that William felt himself become dispirited, despite t…
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Ending
In the falling action, William and Albert return to the park. Albert’s concern for William’s health makes him think about the difficult situation of homeless people and the attitude of many people who believe that homeless people’s problems are their own fault.
A tension point is created when William notices something in the flower bed: “Suddenly William seized Albert by the arm,…
