The Lamp at Noon

The land plays an important role in this story. Why does Paul feel “betrayed” by the land? How does Paul’s sense of betrayal affect his dedication to pursuing his dream?

What parts of the story would have to change in order to turn this story from a tragedy into a story with a happy ending?

Find and read another short story written by another 20th-century writer such as Steinbeck, Hemingway, Faulkner, or O’Neill. What themes do the two stories share? How do these two authors’ writing styles compare and contrast?

How might Ross’s own background have influenced the plot and setting of the story?

In what ways are stereotypical gender roles reinforced or challenged in this story?

How do the environmental challenges faced by the characters in the story mirror the environmental challenges that are faced by society today?

Multiple references are made specifically to the characters’ eyes throughout the story. What do eyes represent in the story? How do the characters’ eyes, and what they look at, reflect the stances they take in their argument?

Throughout the story, there are contrasting moments of great sound and silence. What does silence represent in the story? Especially for Paul, what does silence suggest about the nature of his character?