The Freedom Writers Diary
What does Zlata have in common with the Freedom Writers?
They have all seen war / violence / things that teenagers shouldn't see
Who does Melinda have a poster of on the wall?
Maya Angelou
Spot was a happy, healthy, active dog.
Which type of characterization is this?
Direct
"The room screams Heather." This is (a):
Personification
True or False? This is a theme of Speak:
Good friends never fight.
False
In the spring of 1995, who offers to help take the students on a field trip?
John Tu
What is Melinda's parents main concern?
Her dropping grades.
A character is torn between following their dreams and pleasing their family. What type of conflict is this?
Man VS Self
"My room is ... a postcard of who I was in fifth grade." This is an example of:
Metaphor
A bridge in a story connects two groups that were previously divided.
What does the bridge symbolize?
Unity / Connection
Why does Gruwell feel guilty when she drives students home if they stay late after school?
Where the students live is very unsafe compared to Gruwell's neighborhood
Who is Nicole?
Nicole is one of Melinda's former friends. She is athletic, outgoing, and part of the sports crowd at school.
Carlos spoke quietly.
Which type of characterization is this?
Indirect
"Mr. Freeman is ugly. Big old grasshopper body, like a stilt-walking circus guy. Nose like a credit card sunk between his eyes." This is an example of:
Simile
A plant that grows despite being neglected symbolizes:
Persistence / Hope
What museum do the students visit in D.C.?
The Holocaust Museum
What does Hairwoman make the class write an essay about?
Symbolism in Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter.
A character isolates themselves because they feel responsible for a past action.
What type of motivation is this?
Guilt / Shame
"Ask him why algebra and he'll launch into a thousand and one stories about algebra." This is (a):
Hyperbole
How is the constantly changing Merryweather High mascot significant to the theme of the novel? What is the theme?
It adds to the theme of identity
How does Zlata respond when asked if she is Croatian, Muslim or Serbian?
She is none of those. She is human.
What is a pseudo-friend?
Someone who pretends to be a friend but lacks genuine care, loyalty, or sincerity in the relationship
A group of characters starts sharing personal stories after a dramatic event.
What might be motivating them?
“I checked out a book from the library, Dracula, by Bram Stoker. Cool name.” This is an example of:
Allusion
While Melinda is at the mall skipping school one day, she notices the birds singing sweetly. What do the singing birds symbolize?
Melinda’s wish to freely speak about being assaulted.