Students were asked to analyze Adele’s “Set Fire to the Rain,” and to prove that the main character in the song shows strength.

Kid (approaching me with her finished essay): “I’m not so sure about this one.”
Me: “Ok, well before I read it, what is it you aren’t sure about?”
Kid: “Well…I used evidence from the text. I talked about how she burned her relationship in the flames, but I’m not really sure why that shows strength.”
Me: “Well, was it a good relationship? Was she being treated well?”
Kid: “No.”
Me: “So don’t you think it takes strength to end a relationship in which you’re not being treated well?”
Kid (pausing to think): “I don’t know. I’m 9.”