Companionship
Did it take a while for the dog to become comfortable with Robert?
Yes, Robert tried for many days to get the dog to come inside his house and feel safe with him.
How does the dog's trembling and fear help develop the theme of vulnerability in the passage?
It shows how both animals and humans in this world are unsafe, frightened, and traumatized.
Which tone is conveyed by the repeated descriptions of the dog whimpering and trembling?
A tone of fear and vulnerability.
How is the word "helplessly" used in the text?
The world helplessly shows that Robert is on the verge of giving up and has no options left.
Who is in this passage?
Robert Neville and the dog
What does Robert's gentle voice show about their companionship?
Robert wants to build trust and connection by saying things like, "It's all right," "Come on now."
How does Neville's emotional reaction to what the dog begins to trust him illustrate the theme of redemption or healing?
Neville's relief and tenderness when the dog finally allows him to pet it show his yearning for redemption.
What tone does the author create when Robert speaks softly and repeatedly comforts the dog, saying, "Come on, relax now"?
A tone of gentleness and reassurance.
Why is the phrase "he couldn't stop the tears" important?
It shows his strong emotion and companionship through these words.
Where does this passage take place?
Robert Neville's house
How does the dogs behavior show it's stuggle to bond with Robert?
The dog trembles, whimpers, and cringes when Robert gets close showing the companionship is slow and difficult.
How does the dog's death deepen the theme that hope is both necessary and dangerous for survival?
Neville lets himself go for companionship, but losing the dog devastates him, proving that hope can help someone survive, but also break them completely.
Which tone is established through the imagery of the dog lying "immobile" and Robert whispering, "You'll be all better soon"?
A serious and tender tone.
What is the effect of Neville speaking in short, gentle phrases like "Easy...easy..."?
The simple, soothing diction reflects his tenderness and desire to calm the dog.
When does this passage take place?
It takes place sometime in the 1970s during a plague.
What does Robert's persitance and caring for the dog reveal about their companionship?
He stays with the dog for hours, pets it, whispers to it, and tries to calm it. That shows deep care.
What theme is revealed by Neville's persistence in helping the dog despite its fear?
It illustrates the theme that compassion requires patience and emotional risk.
What tone is revealed in the final lines when the dog licks Neville's hand "weakly" and dies in his arms?
A tone of devastation and hearbreak.
How does the choice of the phrase "He couldn't stop the tears" influence the diction?
This emotional phrase intensifies the passage's vulnerability and shows how deeply Neville is affected.
What is the thematic idea?
Companionship as salvation
How does Neville wrapping the dog in a blanket show companionship?
It shows him taking on a nurturing role, acting as the dog's protector.
How does Neville's emotional breakdown after realizing the dog cannot be saved expand the theme of human resilience?
It shows that while Neville physically survives, emotionally, he is pushed to the edge, suggesting survival requires the ability to survive heartbreak.
How does the author's word choice during the dogs choking and snarling contribute to the tone?
It creates a intense, panic filled, and desperate tone.
How does the different diction, between Neville talking about the outside world versus the soft words describing Neville's voice, shape the meaning of the scene?
Why does the passage suggest that companionship can be a form of salvation?
Human beings rely on companionship to survive emotionally, showing that connection can be a powerful form of salvation.