Two Sides to Every StoryEthics, Dilemmas and Points of View

Discussion, Writing, Improvisation

Written by Greta Barclay Lipson, Ed.D.

Illustrated by Judy Hierstein

A revised and expanded edition of the previously publishedTales with a Twist book by Good Apple.

Teaching & Learning Company1204 Buchanan St., P.O. Box 10

Carthage, IL 62321-0010

ii TLC10439 Copyright © Teaching & Learning Company, Carthage, IL 62321-0010

Cover art by Judy Hierstein

Copyright © 2004, Teaching & Learning Company

ISBN No. 1-57310-439-6

Printing No. 987654321

Teaching & Learning Company1204 Buchanan St., P.O. Box 10Carthage, IL 62321-0010

The purchase of this book entitles teachers to make copiesfor use in their individual classrooms only. This book, or anypart of it, may not be reproduced in any form for any otherpurposes without prior written permission from the Teaching& Learning Company. It is strictly prohibited to reproduce anypart of this book for an entire school or school district, or forcommercial resale. The above permission is exclusive of thecover art, which may not be reproduced.

All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America.

This book belongs to_________________________________________________________

DedicationThere were three empty spaces in the family, waiting to be filled, when fate

played its poetic, random game and brought us Susan, Lorene and Jane.

Three young women—different, yet alike: intelligent, fair featured andspirited! We claim their elegance among three more expansive gifts

bestowed on us. In honor of that twist of fate,we gratefully dedicate this book to them.

We love them, not for comely grace alone.

My enduring gratitude to Geraldine N. Barclayfor editing the original manuscript.

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1. Lady in the Cave Retold by Greta B. Lipson ....................................................10

The Truth Shall Set You FreePoint of View—Discussion Questions....................................................................15Improvisation—Role Play Variations......................................................................16Writing Suggestions ..............................................................................................17Student Comment..................................................................................................18

How to Use This Book ........................................................................................9

Table of Contents

2. You Can Take It with You By Greta B. Lipson ......................................19

A Promise Is a Bond Sanctified by TrustPoint of View—Discussion Questions....................................................................25Improvisation—Role Play Variations......................................................................26Writing Suggestions ..............................................................................................27Student Comment..................................................................................................28

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4. The Blanket Retold by Greta B. Lipson ..........................................................39

We Reap as We Have SownPoint of View—Discussion Questions....................................................................46Improvisation—Role Play Variations......................................................................47Writing Suggestions ..............................................................................................48Student Comment..................................................................................................49

3. Sand Art, on Deadline Anonymous ............................................................29

Talent Is a Divine Gift—Not to Be SquanderedEphemeral Art ......................................................................................................32Rube Goldberg ......................................................................................................33For the Teacher ....................................................................................................34Point of View—Discussion Questions....................................................................35Improvisation—Role Play Variations......................................................................36Writing Suggestions ..............................................................................................37Student Comment..................................................................................................38

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5. Mrs. Esposito’s Pizza By Greta B. Lipson ..................................................50

Things Are Seldom What They SeemPoint of View—Discussion Questions....................................................................56Improvisation—Role Play Variations......................................................................57Writing Suggestions ..............................................................................................58Student Comment..................................................................................................59

6. Bon Appetite By Greta B. Lipson ....................................................................60

What You Don’t Know Won’t Hurt YouFor the Teacher ....................................................................................................68Point of View—Discussion Questions ....................................................................70Improvisation—Role Play Variations ......................................................................71Writing Suggestions ..............................................................................................72Student Comment..................................................................................................73

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7. There’s a Sucker Born Every Minute By Greta B. Lipson......................74

The Gullible Support the SharpersFor the Teacher ....................................................................................................81Point of View—Discussion Questions....................................................................82Improvisation—Role Play Variations......................................................................83Writing Suggestions ..............................................................................................84Student Comment..................................................................................................86

8. The Destiny of David SwanRetold by Greta B. Lipson from a story by Nathaniel Hawthorne ..................................87

Fate Is a Dark Secret Concealed from Us AllPoint of View—Discussion Questions....................................................................95Improvisation—Role Play Variations......................................................................97Writing Suggestions ..............................................................................................98Student Comment..................................................................................................99

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10. A Tail with a Twist By Greta B. Lipson ..................................................112

Contentious People May Be PigheadedFor the Teacher....................................................................................................119Point of View—Discussion Questions..................................................................122Improvisation—Role Play Variations....................................................................124Writing Suggestions ............................................................................................125Student Comment................................................................................................126

Bibliography ................................................................................................................127

9. The Cremation of Sam McGee By Robert W. Service..............................100

Courage Rises in the Face of AdversityPoint of View—Discussion Questions ..................................................................108Improvisation—Role Play Variations ....................................................................109Writing Suggestions ............................................................................................110Student Comment ................................................................................................111

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Lady in the CavePoint of View—Discussion Questions

1. Why would Verity, who had devot-ed a lifetime to the examination ofthe meaning of truth, ask her stu-dent, Emmis, to tell an outrageouslie about her age and appearancewhen he returned to civilization?

Possible AnswerPerhaps Verity was being honestwith herself and realistic about thevalues of our society. We place agreat premium upon outwardphysical beauty and put much lessemphasis upon the internal quali-ties of people which are not soquickly discernable. Neither age,nor intelligence, nor wisdom rankas important in the popular cultureas youth and beauty—however wemay protest to the contrary.

2. Explain how Emmis could telleveryone that Verity was beautifuland be absolutely honest about it.

3. When in search of meaningful orprofound answers, why do manystories take the reader to distantand exotic places such as moun-taintop, caves, and other remoteareas? Is there more purity to befound away from the clamor of civ-ilization?

4. Is truth constant, unwavering andabsolute, or does truth change indifferent contexts, eras or circum-stances? (In ancient times, the sunwas thought to revolve around theEarth. People were punished forcontradicting that truth.)

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Lady in the CaveImprovisation—Role Play Variations

1. Play the story as it reads. Includequestions and answers in the dia-logue which could have takenplace in the cave. Partnerships orgroups may participate in the roleplay after some planning sessions.

2. Entrepreneurs and assorted busi-ness types hear about Verity andset up a carnival atmosphere forprofit at the top of the mountainwhere the Lady in the Cave resides.They advertise that the truth canbe bought. Concerned citizenscome to protest the commercial-ization of the message. They donot believe that the truth is an arti-cle of merchandise which can bepurchased like groceries or other

commodities. They believe thatsuch offers are misleading andoffensive to honest people.

3. The local politicians denounceVerity at a political rally becausethey are not sure what she is allabout and what damage she cando to their reputations or theirplans for the future. They areafraid of a crusade against corrup-tion in government and what couldbe reveled in the name of truth andhonesty in civic affairs. Public offi-cials will appear at a speaker’sforum to defend their turf. Eachone intends to attack “the truth” asa public menace.