What are the main points of this piece? What do you think the author wanted the reader to take away from it? What are the images the author conjures for the reader? What does the grandmother's regalia symbolize? How does the author use the element of surprise? What is the view of human nature, as portrayed in the story (in the character of the speaker, the people he encounters, and the pawnbroker)? Summary: In what ways does this story affect you? Have you had any similar experiences? What did you take away with you from this piece? Comment on the impact that a brief story can have on the reader.