Dear Abby:

I have been in love with my childhood sweetheart, Catherine, all of my life. She does not know that I still love her. I am in the Army and I just found out she is getting married next week to a guy from Pittsburgh. I do not have any leave, but I would like to go and see her, to tell her I love her and to convince her not to go through with the wedding. If I leave my post, I will be AWOL (absent without leave) and will be thrown in the brig when I return. Do you think love is worth the risk? Should I go AWOL and tell Catherine I love her? What if she does not love me anymore? Please tell me what to do.

Signed, Newt

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Now, I don't have your rubric, so you will have to do that part yourself. I am not sure what you are asking about the unusual but symbolic name -- do you mean the name Newt? That is unusual. Do you know what a Newt is? It's a type of animal. Do some research and see what characteristics about the newt might have a connection to this story.

This should get you started. You can read the Vonnegut story online at the link below.