Characters
Q: This character faints from the extreme heat in Chicago.
A: Who is Irene?
Q: Chapter 1 begins in this hot month.
A: What is August?
Q: Irene is shopping in Chicago for gifts for these family members.
A: Who are her sons, Junior and Ted?
Q: “Faint” means:
A: What is feeling like you will pass out?
Q: Clare’s actions explore this theme about pretending to be someone else.
A: What is passing?
Q: This woman stares intensely at Irene in the Drayton Hotel.
A: Who is Clare Kendry?
Q: Irene rests and drinks tea at this rooftop location.
A: What is the Drayton Hotel?
Q: Irene first notices Clare because Clare does this.
A: What is stare at her?
Q: “Recognize” means:
A: What is to know someone from before?
Q: Irene worries about who she is, showing this theme.
A: What is identity?
Q: This person helps Irene get into the cab.
A: Who is the driver?
Q: Irene compares the heat of Chicago streets to this fiery place.
A: What is a furnace?
Q: Irene recognizes Clare because of this distinct feature.
A: What is her voice?
Q: “Passing” means:
A: What is pretending to be white?
Q: Clare’s constant calls create this emotion for Irene.
A: What is pressure?
Q: These relatives raised Clare after her father died.
A: Who are her aunts?
Q: Irene is visiting this city to see her father.
A: What is Chicago?
Q: Irene fears Clare might realize this secret about her.
A: What is that she is Black?
Q: “Identity” means:
A: What makes you who you are?
Q: The heat and crowds show this theme about discomfort.
A: What is tension in society?
Q: This character was rumored to be “passing” in fancy hotels.
A: Who is Clare Kendry?
Q: These conditions cause Irene to nearly faint.
A: What are heat and crowds?
Q: Clare pressures Irene to do this after their reunion.
A: What is visit her again?
Q: “Belonging” means:
A: What is feeling part of a group?
Q: Irene and Clare’s meeting brings up this theme of place and connection.
A: What is belonging?