The Well-Educated Mind: A Guide to the Classical Education You Never Had

by Susan Wise Bauer

Is the writer writing for himself, or for a group?

What parts of the writer’s experience does he assume to be universal? Which does he view as unique to himself? Are you part of the “group” which might be expected to identify most closely with the writer’s experience? If so, does it ring true for you? And if not, what parts of the story do resonate with your own experience?

Finally, make a moral judgment. If the writer is laying down a pattern for others to follow, do you find this pattern to be good?

What are the three moments, or time frames, of the autobiography?

Where does the writer’s judgment lie?

What, or whom, does the writer judge? Is his critical eye turned on himself, or on others? If he criticizes himself, what basis does he use for judgment? (Remember that Ideal from your logic-stage reading?) If he judges others—society, family, God—is his criticism valid? Who is ultimately responsible for his successes and failures: society, family, God? Do you agree? Does the writer, in your view, shift blame—or judge himself too harshly?

Do you reach a different conclusion from the writer about the pattern of his life?

Why? How would the missing elements throw the pattern that the writer is assembling off balance? Would it produce a different pattern altogether?

Do you agree with what the writer has done? Has he been honest, according to his lights—or, on reflection, do you feel misled?

What have you brought away from this story? What expectations did y...