Page 1 Summary
The short story "Locker 160" by Lee Busselman centers around two girls, Karen and Julie, who engage in bullying behavior towards their classmate Miriam. The story begins with Karen suggesting they write a hate note and place it in someone's locker, to which Julie agrees. They choose Miriam as their target, not out of genuine dislike, but simply because she writes poetry, which they consider weird.
Highlight: The author describes Miriam as pretty and not hated, but unpopular, emphasizing the arbitrary nature of the bullies' choice of victim.
The bullying starts with a single note but quickly escalates over the following days. Karen and Julie's actions become increasingly cruel, culminating in a fake petition declaring Miriam weird and hated by others. They forge signatures on this petition and place it in Miriam's locker.
Quote: "Unfortunately the girls don't want to stop now, so on the next day and the following days they're continuing the bullying but not only that, the bullying is also getting worse day by day."
The story reaches its climax when Miriam doesn't attend biology class. An ambulance arrives at the school, and the girls overhear that Miriam has attempted suicide. Shockingly, Karen and Julie's response is to laugh.
Highlight: The author's choice to end the story with the bullies laughing at Miriam's suicide attempt underscores the severity of their actions and their lack of empathy.
The author concludes with a powerful message about the dangers of bullying, emphasizing how it can lead to serious consequences and potentially destroy lives.
Definition: Bullying: The use of force, threat, or coercion to abuse, intimidate, or aggressively dominate others, often repeated and habitual.
This short story serves as a stark reminder of the impact of bullying and the importance of kindness and empathy in our interactions with others. It's an excellent resource for Unterrichtsmaterial (teaching material) to discuss the serious consequences of bullying with students.
Vocabulary: Unterrichtsmaterial - German term for teaching or educational materials.
The characterization of Miriam as a victim and the characterization of Julie and Karen as bullies provide a clear contrast for readers to understand the dynamics of bullying situations. The story's point of view allows readers to see the progression of the bullies' actions, making it a valuable tool for discussions on empathy and the consequences of our actions.
