Life in Welch
Where is the Walls family living during this part of the story?
Welch, West Virginia
Why does Jeanette want a watch?
Mr. Becker didn’t give her what he owed her.
What do the Walls kids often not have enough of?
Food
What does Rex often spend money on instead of food or bills?
Alcohol
What does Rose Mary spend a lot of her time doing?
painting
Why do the Walls children feel judged by others in town?
they are poor , because of their poverty
What does Jeannette realize about her parents?
They won't change
What do the kids do to get food?
steal or scavenge
Why does Rex give Jeannette his jackknife
to protect her and provide good luck
How does Rose Mary react when the kids say they're hungry?
She ignores it or brushes it off
Why do they name their piggy bank "Oz"?
When someone goes to the Wizard of Oz they want something, and they want to get away from their families. Oz allows them to do that.
Who does Jeannette depend on and care for the most?
Her siblings
What does hunger force the kids to eat sometimes?
food from the garbage or butter
Why doesn’t Rex just take Rose Mary’s check outright? Why must he be devious?
Rex is an alcoholic and takes the money for the bar. To avoid getting caught
Why is Rose Mary sad when Jeannette says that she is planning on moving to New York City?
Rose Mary is stuck in Welch when Jeanette gets to move to New York City and she thinks it's not fair.
How does Lori get out of Welch after the money is stolen?
Jeanette buys Lori a bus ticket with her own savings to go to New York.
Why does Jeannette finally decide to go to college? Who helps her make that decision?
She realizes that college represents a real chance to build a different life for herself and her boss at the Phoenix, Mark, helps her decide. He tells her that you can get better jobs with a college degree.
How does poverty affect the kids?
It forces them to grow up too fast
Why doesn’t Rex’s charm work on Jeannette anymore?
she grows up, matures, and stops believing his empty promises, realizing he is an alcoholic who refuses to support the family.
Why doesn’t Rose Mary even think about the effect holding up traffic might have on others?
She thinks it is not a big deal because there are much bigger things happening in this world.
What does Welch symbolize in the story
being trapped
What is Jeannette’s professional goal?
to become a successful journalist and writer in New York City
What does poverty show about the parents?
they don't take care of their kids
How do Rex and Mary spend their days in NYC
they live in an abandoned building, free outdoor activities
Why does Rose Mary react with anger when Jeannette tells her she doesn’t behave like a mother?
Rose Mary got mad because she is tired of her poverty life and Jeanette crossed the line saying that.