ESSAY #2: Write an analysis of “Call my Name”, “In the Cemetery…”, “Giving Back the Dead”, or “All the Shane Hintons”.

Reply from Logan Waters

GAP Questions & Answers for Giving Back the Dead
1. Why do the dead come back?

The story doesn’t give a clear answer, but it hints that Selena, who is lonely, might have brought them back.
2. Why does Selena keep the dead around?

She likes their company because they don’t judge her. She feels more accepted by the dead than by the living.
3. Why does Barry want Selena to send the dead back?

He knows they don’t belong with the living and wants things to go back to normal.
4. How does the town react to the dead returning?

People whisper, the air feels heavy, and the water tastes bad. It seems like the whole town knows something is wrong.
5. What does the river symbolize?

The river could represent secrets, grief, or things people try to forget but can’t. It connects the living and the dead.

GAP Questions & Answers for All the Shane Hintons
1. Why does the narrator search for other people with his name?

He is curious about them and seems to compare himself to them, wondering if his wife could have chosen a different Shane Hinton.
2. Why do the Shane Hintons decide not to invite the rapist to the gathering?

They believe in second chances but don’t want to risk having him around their families, especially after he makes people uncomfortable.
3. Why does the narrator’s wife avoid answering why she picked him?

The story doesn’t say, but it suggests some things are better left unknown.
4. What does the rapist’s reaction at the end say about him?

He seems regretful and afraid of going back to prison. Despite his past, the story shows him as human and vulnerable.
5. What is the narrator really searching for?

He might be looking for a sense of belonging or reassurance that he matters, just like all the other Shane Hintons.

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Emilie PendletonFeb 17 6:36pm| Last reply Feb 17 7:46pmManage Discussion by Emilie Pendleton

Reply from Emilie Pendleton

Giving Back the Dead by Stephen Cavitt GAP Questions

1. How does the narrator know what the dead people looked like climbing out of the river? How does the narrator know what the breaks sounded like in his grandfather’s car on the day he died?

I think these events were described to the narrator, and he puts a dramatic spin on them. Or, the narrator could have been present during these events, but I find it unlikely in the case of his grandfather’s breaks giving out because if that were the case, he too would be dead.

2. Why was the narrator’s first thought regarding his grandpa’s resurrection that his parents were going to kill him? Does this supposed reaction show that finances are more important than having a loved one back?

The narrator mentions how difficult it was for his parents to settle his will, which could mean that when they saw the grandpa alive again, they might share some harsh words about how difficult it was to deal with his will. The narrator also mentions how the parents do not intend to return the money and house to the grandpa, which shows how they prioritize the monetary goods more than the human relationship.

3. What was the secret held in the river?

The secret the narrator is talking about could be the kiss he shared with Selena. The dead were the only ones who saw and knew about it, but when they returned to the river, the secret was stored in it—that is until the narrator chose to share this story.

4. Is it possible that the narrator could have been sharing a tale?

Due to the narrator being 14, he could have been confusing fiction for fact. 14 is an age when children are exploring ideas, forming complex thoughts, and often getting creative by relating to fictional characters. Perhaps the narrator was inspired by some of his favorite stories and chose to tell a tale of how he got to say goodbye to his grandpa and got to kiss the girl he liked.

All the Shane Hintons by Shane Hinton GAP Questions

1. Why does this Shane Hinton want to be so involved with the other Shane Hintons?

I think this involvement has something to do with an inferiority complex. This Shane Hinton feels self-conscious and wonders if he is enough, which could be why he keeps track of all the other Shane Hintons. This could also be why he keeps mentioning the rapist Shane Hinton to show that he is not the worst Shane Hinton alive.

2. Does this Shane Hinton only hire other Shane Hintons when he has the opportunity?

The narrator mentions hiring a plumber named Shane Hinton. This made me wonder if a Shane Hinton was available for the job, and does this Shane Hinton hire them purely because they’re Shane Hinton?

3. In his survey, Shane Hinton asks, “Has my wife tried to contact you?” Is this done out of insecurity or pure curiosity?

I believe it is a mix of both. I think he’s insecure, which is easily recognized when he compares himself to others and constantly asks his wife why she married him. However, it could also be curiosity because he wants to know why she chose to marry him when so many other Shane Hintons exist.

4. Who invited the rapist Shane Hinton? How did he get the invitation?

I think the narrator might have accidentally invited the rapist, or maybe purposefully so he could look better than someone at the Shane Hinton party. I’m unsure how the rapist Shane Hinton got the invite for it though.

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Logan WatersFeb 17 7:46pmManage Discussion by Logan WatersReply from Logan Waters

Hey Emilie,

I really like the way you connected the narrator’s insecurity in both stories. It makes sense that the Shane Hinton narrator keeps bringing up the rapist to feel better about himself. Also, your point about the Giving Back the Dead narrator possibly making things up is interesting—it really makes you question how much of the story is real.

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YHYousif HanooshiFeb 17 5:40pm| Last reply Feb 17 7:49pmManage Discussion by Yousif Hanooshi

Reply from Yousif Hanooshi

Giving Back the Dead:
1) How does Giving Back the Dead explore the relationship between the living and the dead, and what does this suggest about the way people process loss?
The story examines how the dead continue to exist in the minds of the living, shaping emotions, decisions, and memories. Cavitt portrays grief as an ongoing conversation rather than a definitive ending.
2) Does the story suggest that remembering the dead is more of a burden or a responsibility?
The story seems to argue that remembering the dead is both a burden and a responsibility. Through characters who struggle with loss, Cavitt highlights the emotional weight of remembrance but also suggests that honoring the past is necessary for healing.
3) How might the story’s message about grief and closure change depending on the reader’s personal experiences?
Someone who has experienced significant loss may relate deeply to the story’s themes of lingering grief and unresolved emotions, seeing it as a reflection of their own struggles.
4) What role does memory play in the story?
Memory acts as a bridge between the living and the dead, influencing how characters process their grief.
All the Shane Hintons:
1) How does All the Shane Hintons use identity
Identity is portrayed as something complex and fragmented rather than a single, stable concept. By presenting multiple versions of the narrator, Hinton explores how people are shaped by different experiences.
2) Does the story suggest that identity is something fixed, or does it argue that identity is fluid?
Hinton shows that identity is shaped by experiences, relationships, and even societal expectations. The way different versions of Shane exist suggests that who we are is not entirely within our control.
3) How might the story’s theme of multiple identities resonate differently with readers who have struggled with self-perception or societal expectations?
A reader who has ever questioned their identity or felt pulled in different directions by expectations might strongly relate to the narrator’s experience.
4) What does the presence of multiple versions of Shane Hinton symbolize?
The different versions of Shane Hinton represent the many ways a person’s identity can shift over time. They might symbolize different life choices, past experiences, or even how others see him.

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Logan WatersFeb 17 7:49pmManage Discussion by Logan WatersReply from Logan Waters

Hey Yousif,

You made some really strong points about memory and grief in Giving Back the Dead. I like the idea that remembering the dead is both a burden and a responsibility—it definitely feels like the characters are stuck between holding on and letting go. And for All the Shane Hintons, your take on identity being shaped by outside forces stood out to me. It’s almost unsettling how the narrator sees himself in comparison to others, like he’s not sure if he even controls who he is.

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Jaime TyrasFeb 17 4:57pm| Last reply Feb 17 7:50pmManage Discussion by Jaime Tyras

Reply from Jaime Tyras

Giving Back the Dead:

1. Why are the dead so adamant in staying with the living, especially in Selenas house?

The dead in this story seem to linger because they are looking for a connection, or they are stuck caught in an unresolved state. Why can’t they move on? Are they trapped in this town due to unfinished business, or is it their personal choice.

2. What is the importance of the river in the story, why is it important that the dead emerge from it?

The river is described as a mystery and dangerous, with a long past of death and secrets. This may symbolize an in-between space where the living and the dead intersect. The fact that the dead emerge from this river may suggest that the river is a liminal space, a crossing point between life and death.

3. What happened to the grandfather before he reappeared in the home?

The story mentions that the grandfather drove his truck off the bluff, and the brakes failed. However, it doesn’t provide more details about how he died or whether he was alone at the time of the accident. This leaves us (readers) to assume that he died in that car crash.

4. What is the relationship between Selena and the narrator?

Throughout the text, the narrator seems to have a complicated relationship with Selena. There is a mix of friendship, curiosity, and romantic tension. There are moments of connection, like when the narrator wants to kiss her, but it’s unclear whether these feelings are reciprocated or if Selena’s connection to the dead plays a role in distancing them emotionally.

All the Shane Hintons:

1. What motivates the narrator to reach out to all the other Shane Hintons? why did they throw a party?

There might be a feeling of insecurity in his life, reflected by his comparison to other Shane Hintons. This may lead him to seek answers or validation from them. Furthermore, the narrator also seems fascinated by the shared name and possibly wants a friendship with others who share the same identity.

2. What is the significance of the “rapist” Shane Hinton attending the event?

The presence of the rapist could represent society’s complicated stance on redemption and justice. Additionally, the narrator’s discomfort might highlight the struggle between offering second chances and maintaining boundaries.

3. What is the narrator’s relationship like with his wife, especially when he says, “You didn’t laugh. I laughed a little bit, it was just down in my chest, so you couldn’t hear it”?

The narrator may be trying to avoid conflict by downplaying his feelings, but the fact that he mentions it suggests some underlying tension or miscommunication between him and his wife. Additionally, this could also signify emotional distance in the relationship, with the narrator feeling like he has to suppress his own reactions and emotions to avoid upsetting his wife.

4. Why does the narrator end the story with a conversation with the rapist?

The narrator’s gesture of offering the awards to the rapist seems to represent an attempt at human connection, despite the discomfort surrounding the rapist’s past actions. Moreover, this may reflect the narrators own sense of empathy, trying to give the rapist a moment of dignity.

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Emilie PendletonFeb 17 6:43pmManage Discussion by Emilie PendletonReply from Emilie Pendleton

Hi Jaime! I really enjoyed your take on why the rapist Shane Hinton attended the event. I wanted to share my opinion of why he was there as well. I think he was there to show that the narrator, Shane Hinton, wasn’t the worst person at the event. By having a man who was up in prison for raping someone, you automatically aren’t the worst person at an event and aren’t considered the least accomplished one there. I believe that, by having the rapist there, Shane Hinton feels more sure of himself and more accomplished.

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Logan WatersFeb 17 7:50pmManage Discussion by Logan WatersReply from Logan Waters

Hey Jaime,

You brought up some great points about Giving Back the Dead, especially with the river acting as a space between life and death. That idea really fits with how the dead just linger instead of fully returning or moving on. I also liked your take on All the Shane Hintons, especially how the rapist’s presence forces the narrator (and the reader) to think about second chances. It’s uncomfortable but makes the ending feel more complicated and real.

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JHJulia HegedusFeb 17 4:34pm| Last reply Feb 17 7:51pmManage Discussion by Julia Hegedus

Reply from Julia Hegedus

All the Shane Hintons

1.Why does he keep asking his wife why she picked him out of all the shane hintons?

This is a really weird thing to be asking his wife since she doesnt know all of the shane hintons. It becomes obvious he has a hyperfixation on the other shanes and why his wife picked him.

1. Why would the shane hintons invite the convicted rapist?

The text says most of the men believe in second chances but are uncomfortable with the man around their wives and children. This is very contradictory behavior.

3.Why does shane give shane the convicted rapist the box of awards?

I think he gives them to him not to cheer him up but to give him a keepsake before he goes back to prison. The man has nothing to look forward to in the future and the box of awards can be a reminder to the small amount of freedom he had after he escaped prison.

4.What was the point of setting up a bbq for all the shane hintons?

To find a sense of community. He wanted to find people like him and he did that by inviting everyone with the same name.

Giving Back the Dead by Stephen Cavitt

1. Why does the author go into such detail when describing the river?

I think it helps give the reader an idea of the tone or mood of the story. The river is unsatisfactory for the town people. This alludes to further things.

2. Who is selena?

Selena is a witch who can bring back the dead. She brings the dead back because they aren’t afraid of her while people around her avoid her because they are scared of her magic. She is a very lonely person.

3.Did the narrator get to have a proper ending with his grandfather?

The narrator is at peace because he got to say goodbye as well as talk to his grandfather who had passed. He had the opportunity to ask and tell him anything.

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