Notes on 'Going Places'

About the Author

• A. R. Barton is a modern writer residing in Zurich, writing in English.

Theme

• Adolescent Hero-Worship and Fantasising
  • Sub-Theme: Relationships - family, friends.

Language and Expressions

• Colloquial Expressions: Informal words used in speech.
  • Examples:
    • “chuffed” - meaning delighted or very pleased
    • “nosey” - meaning inquisitive
    • “gawky” - meaning awkward, ungainly
• Metaphorical Expressions:
  • “Words had to be prized out of him like stones out of a ground.”
  • “Sophie felt a tightening in her throat.”
  • “If he keeps his head on his shoulders.”

Present Participles

• Used to indicate simultaneity of action.
  • Example: “Sophie said, coming home from school.”
• Present participles can be used without helping verbs to show actions happening at the same time.

Characters

• Sophie: Dreams of having a boutique, admires Danny Casey.
• Jansie: Friend of Sophie, often doubts her dreams.
• Geoff: Sophie's brother, an apprentice mechanic, represents a world of experience.
• Sophie’s Father: Skeptical of Sophie’s dreams, represents the harsh realities of life.

Key Events

• Sophie fantasizes about meeting Danny Casey and dreams of a future as a boutique owner.
• The story explores the contrast between Sophie’s dreams and the reality of her socio-economic background.

Discussion Points

1. Discuss the nature of Sophie's dreams and disappointments.
2. Explore the benefits and disadvantages of teenage fantasising.
3. Analyze the differences between Sophie and Jansie.
4. Consider the socio-economic background of Sophie’s family.

Important Quotes

• “I’ll be like Mary Quant, Sophie said. I’ll be a natural.”
• “He seemed lonely. After all, it’s a long way from the west of Ireland.”
• “It is a hard thing, this sadness.”

Activities

• Pick out five sentences from the story using present participles.
• Create a list of ten colloquial words.
• Write down points for an interview with a role model.