The Teacher rides the L two stops from the school and into an entirely different country.
-- Narrator (Pages 46 - 49)

Importance: This moment from the start of the short story illuminates facets of the narrative form and the Teacher's character. In much the same way that the Teacher feels the train is transporting her between two alternate countries, the Teacher regards her home and work life as distinct and irreconcilable realms. In turn, the person the Teacher is at school feels at odds with the person she is compelled to be at home. In this way, the author is revealing the ways in which the Teacher feels yanked between these competing spheres, and thus unable to locate a fixed sense of self.

The Teacher considers asking Bea if she can comb her hair for her.
-- Narrator (Pages 46 - 49)

Importance: Over the course of the short story, the Teacher's investment in and concern for Bea becomes increasingly apparent. Indeed, the...