How much do you think place affects people? Consider how a certain
place has played a part in your life or in the life of someone you know.
You could also think about a movie or a book in which the location is
key to the story. Write a paragraph explaining how you think place
affects a person or character.

Tobias wolff most likely named his short story "mortals" because the story explores the theme of people coming to terms with the idea that one day they too will die. wanting to find out what their loved ones really think of them. achieving immortalit by being "big people" while they are alive. hoping that they will have accomplished something before they die.