The Shining Houses

1) Explain what type of narration is used in the story.
There are a couple of different narrations used, there is retrospective and there is present progressive.

2) How is "The Shining Houses" structured? Why do you suppose Munro structured the narrative this way?
I think it is structured in a way that allows you to see a little bit about  Mrs. Fullerton so that later on in the story you will be able to understand her situation and be able to be a little bit more sympathetic towards her.  I think she did that so that later into the story you will be able to understand things from her side of the story and not just have a one-sided view on things.

3) Discuss irony in the story with respect to the title.
I think it is ironic because there isn't really anything that is shining about this story it seems that the nicer houses are owned by rude people and this one that isn't so great is owned by someone that is nicer and that is the one that is looked down upon the most.

4) What distinction does the story highlight in terms of the difference between legal and moral?
This story has highlights from both of these, legally what they are doing is okay and will end up working.  However they are overlooking the fact that just because it doesn't look the same as everyone else house on the block doesn't mean they should get rid of it.  Mrs. Fullerton lives there and if all of the "new peoples" plans go through she will have to move out of her house and find somewhere new to live.  They are completely disregarding what she wants to better what they think is right.

5) Sketch Mary's Character
She seems to be a nice, kindhearted person.  She is a mother.  She seems to be very respectful and outspoken.  Until the end were she kind of keeps quiet when it mattered the most.