The short story "Next Term We'll Mash You" was written by Penelope Lively, a writer specializing in short story writing who was born in Egypt in 1933. The story is about the Manders family, who take a visit to St. Edwards Preparatory School - an exclusive boarding school for boys aged eight to 13 years old. While Charles Manders' parents seem enchanted with the school and its headmaster, Charles explores the school, only to find out how new boys at the school are treated.
Penelope Lively describes the appearance of Charles Manders, the protagonist of the story, in an unflattering yet endearing way. She states that Charles "had black hair, slicked down smooth to his head. His ears, too large, jutted out...laced with tiny, delicate veins. His clothes had the shine and crease of newness". From Charles' appearance, it is evident that he (or his parents) takes great care in the way he looks: The fact that his hair is "slicked down smooth" and his clothes had a "shine and crease" reflects his great attention to detail in appearance, suggesting a perfectionist attitude. In addition, the reader of this short story can also see the influence of money and a life of excess upon Charles through his appearance. There is an air of surplus and certainty about him - his hair is a solid color of "black" rather than brown or blond, while the size of his ears is excessive as they are "too large" for his head.
Of course, there are a number of other characters that you should refer to in an analysis of this short story. Charles' parents, Mr. And Mrs. Manders, are vital to the story, especially in its opening, as are the headmaster and his wife. You should also look at Charles' encounters and interactions with other characters, significantly any other students you wish to describe.
Penelope Lively describes the appearance of Charles Manders, the protagonist of the story, in an unflattering yet endearing way. She states that Charles "had black hair, slicked down smooth to his head. His ears, too large, jutted out...laced with tiny, delicate veins. His clothes had the shine and crease of newness". From Charles' appearance, it is evident that he (or his parents) takes great care in the way he looks: The fact that his hair is "slicked down smooth" and his clothes had a "shine and crease" reflects his great attention to detail in appearance, suggesting a perfectionist attitude. In addition, the reader of this short story can also see the influence of money and a life of excess upon Charles through his appearance. There is an air of surplus and certainty about him - his hair is a solid color of "black" rather than brown or blond, while the size of his ears is excessive as they are "too large" for his head.
Of course, there are a number of other characters that you should refer to in an analysis of this short story. Charles' parents, Mr. And Mrs. Manders, are vital to the story, especially in its opening, as are the headmaster and his wife. You should also look at Charles' encounters and interactions with other characters, significantly any other students you wish to describe.
