Implicit information
Why might the grandmother have smiled in the dream while saying, “I have to go on alone”?
The grandmother’s smile and words suggest acceptance and peace with her impending death.
What did the granddaughter do every morning for her grandmother?
The granddaughter came every morning to light the fire and boil water for tea.
What does the word “frail” mean in the context of the story?
weak
Identify the simile in the phrase, “Grief struck as quickly and precisely as lightning.”
The simile is “Grief struck as quickly and precisely as lightning.”
What does the granddaughter’s grief suggest about their relationship?
The granddaughter’s intense grief shows their close bond and how much she depended on her grandmother for love and guidance.
What did the grandmother say in the dream to the granddaughter?
the grandmother said, “I have to go on alone.”
What does the word “flutter” suggest about the granddaughter’s emotions?
suggests nervousness, anxiety, or overwhelming emotions.
What is the effect of comparing the granddaughter’s trembling to “cedar branches in a raging storm”?
The comparison shows how violently and uncontrollably her body reacted to the emotional storm, emphasizing her anguish.
How does the setting in the dream symbolize the grandmother’s final journey?
he mountains in the dream symbolize the grandmother’s journey to the afterlife, a place she must go alone.
What was the condition of the grandmother when the granddaughter went to wake her?
The grandmother’s body was cold, and her face was free from worry.
What is meant by “her heart opened like a river”?
“Her heart opened like a river” means she felt an intense, uncontrollable outpouring of emotion.
What literary device is used in “her heart opened like a river”?
simile
Why do you think the granddaughter massaged her grandmother’s hands and feet so carefully?
The granddaughter carefully massaged her grandmother’s hands and feet to ease her pain and show her deep love and care.
How did the granddaughter physically react to her grief?
The granddaughter dropped to her knees, trembled, sobbed, and doubled over in despair.
Define the word “precisely” as used in the description of grief.
Precisely” means in an exact and accurate manner.
How does the imagery of the granddaughter’s tears enhance the emotional impact of the scene?
he imagery of the granddaughter’s tears enhances the scene by showing how deeply she is affected, with her grief overflowing and physically manifesting.