“Exchange Value” uses these characters to show us some different ways of getting through life, different styles of relating to the past, present, and future, and different ways of relating to money and other possessions that can have a life-defining impact. The story's historical setting is also crucial to the narrative: two young black men raised in South Chicago in the 1970s, which is a place that the story connects to wider histories of slavery, racism, social distrust, and poverty. Write 4-5 sentences each for Loftis, Cooter, Ms. Bailey, and the parents, in which you draw on the insights of Gertner's article (using short quotes from both texts to support your interpretations) in order to help you analyze and respond to the various "futile pursuits of happiness" that are on display in "Exchange Value."
In this short story by Charles Johnson, we’re told about events involving three main characters (only two of which we actually meet in the story) – Loftis, Cooter, and the deceased Ms. Bailey. The story is told through Cooter’s eyes. We’re also privy to bits of information about the parents.
“Exchange Value” uses these characters to show us some different ways of getting through life, different styles of relating to the past, present, and future, and different ways of relating to money and other possessions that can have a life-defining impact. The story's historical setting is also crucial to the narrative: two young black men raised in South Chicago in the 1970s, which is a place that the story connects to wider histories of slavery, racism, social distrust, and poverty.
Write 4-5 sentences each for Loftis, Cooter, Ms. Bailey, and the parents, in which you draw on the insights of Gertner's article (using short quotes from both texts to support your interpretations) in order to help you analyze and respond to the various "futile pursuits of happiness" that are on display in "Exchange Value."
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