Characters
Who is William Spiver?
A temporarily blind boy staying with Tootie.
What kind of food does Ulysses eat at the diner?
A giant donut.
Who says, “Holy bagumba”?
Flora.
What does “malfeasance” most likely mean?
Wrongdoing or misconduct.
How does Flora feel about Ulysses?
She feels protective and amazed by him.
Who is Mr. Klaus?
The cat who tries to attack Ulysses.
What happens to Flora and Ulysses at the Giant Donut diner?
They get into trouble when Ulysses causes a commotion.
What does “Do not hope. Instead, observe.” mean for Flora?
It reflects her desire to stay realistic and not get hurt.
“Her heart was a tight fist.” What kind of figurative language is this?
A metaphor.
What kind of relationship does Flora have with her dad?
She misses him and wants to feel closer to him.
Who is Dr. Meescham?
She is Flora’s father’s eccentric neighbor.
How does Flora’s mother react to Ulysses being in the house?
She wants him gone and acts angrily.
Who says, “This malfeasance must be stopped!”
William Spiver.
What does “cynic” mean in the story?
Someone who distrusts good or hopeful things.
Why is Flora frustrated with her mother?
Her mother doesn’t understand her and wants to get rid of Ulysses.
Why is William Spiver staying with Tootie?
He was sent to live there after an "incident" involving his mother’s car.
What does Flora overhear her mother saying on the phone?
That she wants to get rid of Ulysses
What theme is reflected in Flora saying “Do not hope”?
Loss and emotional protection.
What type of figurative language is “the squirrel flew like a furry rocket”?
Simile.
How does Ulysses show he cares about Flora?
He writes poems that express deep emotion.
What unique way does William Spiver describe his blindness?
He says he has a “temporary blindness brought on by trauma.
What leads Flora to try to rescue Ulysses?
She believes her mother might harm or get rid of him.
What does Ulysses type that surprises everyone?
A heartfelt poem.
What word best describes Flora’s view of life in these chapters:
Optimistic, Skeptical, Trusting, Excited?
Skeptical.
What begins to change in Flora as she spends more time with Ulysses and William?
She starts to open her heart and feel hope again