The Very Old Man With Enormous Wings Essay, Research Paper

Response to essay on “The Very Old Man With Enormous Wings”

What does this piece reveal about people’s attitudes towards religion? Why do

the townspeople treat the old man in the way that they do? Do they respond

differently to the spider girl than to the old man? Is there evidence that he is

really an angel? Does that make a difference? Why is the subtitle of the piece “A

Tale for Children”? Why would children be the intended audience for this piece?

Is it intended to be “educational”? If so, in what way? Explain the ending a bit

more. What does this piece have to do with life after death as you bring up in

your essay? Is an angel the same as a ghost? What is an angel? What purpose are

they thought to serve in human life? Does this “angel” serve that purpose? If not,

does he serve any purpose? Does he fail at his objective? Explain. Why is the

piece called “A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings” rather than “An Angel”?

Any suggestions? Do the people exploit him? Explain.

Any connection between the old man’s arrival and the child’s recovery? Is it

simply coincidence? How do you respond to the parents’ displaying the old man

to make money off of him? What does that say about them, about their attitudes

towards religion, towards God’s work.