Real or Fake #19


(1) Read the story. (2) Tell the story in your own words. (3) Ask the questions.
 

Erika Labrie changed her name to Erika Eiffel after “marrying” her partner — the Eiffel Tower. The event was described as a “commitment ceremony” because France doesn’t recognize marriage with an inanimate object. However, after 10 years with the Eiffel Tower, Erika’s relationship came to a close. Erika confessed that she now has romantic feelings for a fence.

“He is perfect,” the 50-year-old woman explained. “I mean this is the shape that I like so much. These angles? Fabulous. I’m definitely physically attracted to this fence, and I would like to get to know this fence better.”

Erika revealed, “I didn’t realize I was different until my teens when others started dating each other and I had deep feelings for a local bridge.”

 

Vocabulary
commitment ceremony = similar to a wedding ceremony but it’s not legally binding

inanimate = not alive

Comprehension Questions
  1. How long did Erika stay with the Eiffel Tower?
  2. What name was used to describe the marriage ceremony?
  3. What is one thing that she likes about the fence?
Discussion Questions
  1. What is your favorite shape?
  2. What makes the Eiffel Tower the world’s most famous landmark?
  3. How many world landmarks have you visited?
  4. Do you prefer bridges or fences? Why?
  5. What are the pros and cons of being in a relationship with a fence?