A Man Called Ove

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. What does the term "curmudgeon" mean to you?

Teaching Suggestion: Students might find that "curmudgeon" means different things to different people. A class discussion that invites them to provide examples of curmudgeons (or curmudgeonly behavior) they have encountered might be useful.

• “A Short-Tempered History of the 'Curmudgeon'”  –  A short article discussing the origin of the word "curmudgeon" and other words with similar meaning
• “Andy Rooney (Frank Caliendo) On The iPhone” –A video of comedian Frank Caliendo doing an impression of late real-world curmudgeon Andy Rooney trying to figure out an iPhone; connects with the theme Distrust of Technology

2. Is it harder to face one's own mortality or the death of a loved one?

Teaching Suggestion: It might be helpful to reassure students that there is no "right" answer to this question and to guide them in a discussion of the differences between fear and loss.

• “Archie Bunker's Place – Edith's Death” – In this video, classic sit-com curmudgeon Archie Bunker finds one of his late wife's slippers and breaks down while speaking to her.
• Video from the animated film Up – This clip is a montage of the relationship between the cranky main character Carl and his deceased wife Ellie. It offers a compressed narrative of attachment and loss.  

Personal Connection Prompt

This prompt can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before reading the novel.

What sort of disappointments or frustrations in life might contribute to a consistently negative outlook on life and other people? Why do some people react to trials the opposite way, by becoming more joyful? Free-write about both types of people, either drawing from your personal experience or referencing people whose stories are public (e.g., Stephen Colbert, who lost his father and two brothers in a plane crash when he was 10).

Teaching Suggestion: Students might benefit from a discussion of the differences between being irritable on occasion and having a grumpy disposition.