All the Years of Her Life

by Morley Callaghan

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All the Years of Her Life Questions and Answers

Describe Alfred's and his mother's relationship prior to this incident in "All the Years of Her Life." 

How does the title of "All the Years of Her Life" relate to the other elements in the story and to the overall meaning of the story?

In "All the Years of Her Life," what did the author mean in the last paragraph when he said, "this was the first time he had ever really seen his mother"? 

In "All the Years of Her Life," what does the mother's trembling hand symbolize?

What is the point of view for "All the Years of Her Life?"

Explain the situation that brings Alfred's mother to the store in "All the Years of Her Life" by Morley Callaghan.

In "All the Years of My Life," why is Mr. Carr surprised at Mrs. Higgins's reaction?

What is one of the conflicts in "All the Years of Her Life"?

What is the theme of "All the Years of Her Life"?

In "All the Years of Her Life" by Morley Callaghan, how does Alfred's behavior reveal that he is immature and irresponsible?

What is Mrs. Higgins like in "All the Years of Her Life"?  

Describe Alfred Higgins' personality.

Describe the impact this event has had on Alfred in "All the Years of Her Life." Is there evidence that he has learned from his experience?

In "All the Years of Her Life," why does it seem to Alfred that "this was the first time he had ever looked upon his mother"?

How are Sam Carr and Mrs. Higgins alike in "All the Years of Her Life?"

The author chose to start the story with a confrontation between characters and to share the background information later. How does this choice most affect the story?

What do we learn in exposition of this story?

Describe Mrs. Higgins' personality?

How is foreshadowing used in the story "All the Years of Her Life"?

To what sum will $2000 amount to in 10 years if invested at a 4% effective annual rate for the first 5 years and than at a rate of 6% compounded semiannually thereafter?

Had Alfred ever been in trouble before in "All the Years of Her Life"?

What evidence, if any, can you find in "All the Years of Her Life" to lead you to think that Alfred never stole again? What evidence, if any, can you find to lead you to think that he did?

Later in the story “All the Years of Her Life,” Mrs. Higgins says, “It’s not for me to say, because he’s my son.” Why does she say “son”? What emotional effect does “son” have that other words do not?

Why is time important in "All the Years of her Life"?

In which part of the plot does Mr. Carr call Alfred's mother in All the Years of Her Life?  

Compare and contrast the characters Sam Carr and Mrs. Higgins from "All the years of her life."

What is the plot of "All the Years of Her Life"?

In Morley Callaghan's short story "All The Years of Her Life," what is Alfred's first reaction when Mr. Carr accuses him of stealing?

How are Mrs. Higgins and her son Alfred affected by certain events of the story "All the Years of Her Life"?

How is suspense created in the story "All the Years of Her Life," and what is the outcome of the suspense?

Discuss the tension in "All the Years of Her Life."

How powerful a motivator is guilt in the story "All the Years of Her Life"?

As an object approaches the Earth’s surface, what will its acceleration be?

Who was the primary interpersonal conflict with?

Write a paragraph in the voice of Mrs. Higgins from "All the Years of Her Life," identifying all that she "had been thinking of as they walked along the street together." What do you think she was thinking about as she walked down the street after getting her son from the store?

Give an example of the descriptive style used in "All the Years of Her Life"

A trust fund for an 8-year-old child is being set up by a single payment so that at the age 21 the child will receive $25000. Find how much the payment is if an interest rate of 6% compounded semiannually is assumed.