“Amigo Brothers”
Short Story by Piri Thomas
Literary Analysis
Theme & Setting
A story’s theme is a message about life or human nature that the writer wants readers to understand. The setting, or the time and place
of the action, is often a key element of the theme. To determine how the setting influences the theme, note the following:
 details that give clues to time and place
 how the setting affects the thoughts and actions of the characters
 the importance of the setting in the conflict and how the conflict is resolved
Directions: Fill in the chart with clues that identify the theme of the story and write what you think the theme is based on the clues.
Then answer the question that follows.
Clues from setting
Clues from Characters
↓
↓
Clues from conflicts
↓
Possible theme:
Which details from the chart best helped you infer the theme?
Additional questions. Answer in complete sentences.
1. An internal conflict is a struggle within a character’s mind. Setting can be important even to this type of conflict. What is
Antonio’s internal conflict? How does the setting influence his struggle?
2. When you infer, you make a logical guess based on clues from the story. What can you infer about Antonio’s attitude toward Felix
on the day of the fight?
3. What happens at the end of the fight? How do you think the boys feel at this moment? How does the setting influence the way the
boys feel?
Compare and Contrast
When you compare, you show how two or more people, places, or things are similar. When you contrast, you
show how they are different. As you read, comparing and contrasting people, places, and things helps you
understand the text better.
Directions: As you read the story, complete this Venn diagram to show how Felix and Antonio are the same
and different. Then answer the question that follows.
Felix
Antonio
Both
Which is more important, the similarities or the differences? Why?
Additional Questions. Answer in complete sentences.
1. What effect does the boxing competition have on Felix and Antonio’s relationship? Support your answer
with examples from the story.
2. Why is this fight so important to Felix and Antonio?
3. Describe how the two boys fight during the boxing match. What strengths does each boy demonstrate?