This dramatic film introduces us to Tommy, a World War II veteran who rooms alone, waiting for his pension cheque to arrive, passing the time in the evenings with his cronies in the Legion Hall. Lennie can claim only a third of Tommy's years, but he prowls the same area of town, and the two have more in common than either of them realizes. Both their lives lack a sense of place and purpose. The story occurs early in November and leads up to an event that provides one of Tommy's few remaining moments of glory, the annual veterans' Remembrance Day parade.
Ages 14 to 17
Study Guide - Guide 1
Civics/Citizenship - Citizen Responsibilities
Ethics and Religious Culture - Ethical Values
Health/Personal Development - Bullying & Discrimination
Health/Personal Development - Problem Solving/Conflict Resolution
How does a random act of violence end up contributing to changes in Lennie's life? What are the factors that led to this violence? Lennie tries to make amends to Tommy. Does it work? What did he want in return? What does Tommy want? Have students discuss how this could have played out had the two men sat down and talked. What would they each say to the other? Have students role play their encounter.