Plot
Who Said It?
Characters
Figurative Language
Why?
100
They think he set them up by deliberately not telling them about the silent alarm at the Epsteins' store.
Why do Major, Sonny and Hollis beat up Alfred at the end of chapter 1?
100
He said, "It won't be easy, and nothing is promised you."
Who is Mr. Donatelli?
100
He is the hot-tempered Irish guy at the gym.
Who is Red?
100
“Pain shot up Alfred’s wrist and exploded in his shoulder. Griffin went down and flopped over like a rag doll.”
What is a simile?
100
Mr. Donatelli asked Alfred why he quit school in the 11th grade for this reason.
What is check Alfred’s motivation? (And/or what is inspiring motivation to persevere in Alfred’s mind?)
200
Major told Alfred that James was going to be there.
What did Major use as "bait" to get Alfred to attend the party in the clubroom?
200
He said, "Don't tell the boss; everyone gets a second chance around here."
Who is Bud Martin?
200
He is Donatelli's long-time assistant and trainer.
Who is Bud Martin?
200
“They were friendly old steps. ”
What is personification?
200
Alfred ran away from the car at Coney Island for this reason.
What is Alfred didn’t want to be arrested for being in a stolen car?
300
Lou Epstein and Alfred not only work together, they are/were involved in this.
What is boxing?
300
He said, "You and me, we're partners, Alfred."
Who is James?
300
She is also Alfred’s guardian.
Who is Aunt Pearl?
300
“Angel began chattering in machine-gun Spanish.”
What is a metaphor?
300
Alfred changed his mind and did not quit boxing before a fight for this reason.
What is Alfred wanted to prove to himself that he is a contender in boxing and in life?
400
Major pulled a knife and threatened to give Alfred a squealer scar, but Alfred didn’t relent. Major did this next.
What is backed down?
400
He said, "If you can't stand a little blood, I'll get me a manager who can."
Who is Willie Streeter?
400
During the story, this friend of Alfred’s makes decisions that take his life to dark, sad places.
Who is James?
400
“The 16-ounce sparring gloves felt like lead pillows.”
What is a simile?
400
He didn't have the "killer instinct" and isn't good enough to box without it.
Why did Donatelli want Alfred to quit boxing?
500
A few days after going with Major to Coney Island in a stolen car, Alfred starts to quit boxing and asks Donatelli this question.
What is “could I have been a contender?”
500
He said “It’s the climbing that makes the man. Getting to the top is an extra reward.”
Who is Donatelli?
500
He led James into trouble and drugs.
Who is Major?
500
"It seemed like hours before he pushed out the mouthpiece, . . . "
What is hyperbole?
500
After Alfred’s third fight, Mr. Donatelli says “It’s time.” Alfred wants a fourth fight to answer this question.
Am I a contender?
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