Vocab
What does the action "stoop" mean?
to bend down
What is a "day-bed"?
A bed/couch
Why didn't she let him go until they got to her house?
so he wouldn't run away
Why do you think the boy chose her to steal the purse from?
She was a woman alone, maybe she was dressed nicely like someone who has money
What is a "kitchenette"?
What does "frail" mean?
easily breakable
What does "willow-wild" mean?
to be wild and free
What is the woman's name?
Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones
How do you think the boy felt when she caught him?
scared
What old-fashioned word does the author use for "purse" throughout the story?
pocketbook
What does "roomers" mean?
people renting rooms or apartments
What does "blue-jeaned sitter" mean?
his behind
What is the boy's name?
Roger
Why does she feed him?
She feels bad for him, she doesn't want him to starve
When do you think this story takes place?
circa 1960s
What does "suede" mean?
a soft, velvety material
What is a "half-nelson"?
a wrestling move with arm around someone's neck
Why does she make him wash his face and comb his hair?
It was dirty and messy. They were about to eat dinner.
Why does she give him $10 for the shoes?
She remembers being a kid and not having things she wanted. She feels bad for him.
Why doesn't she ask him about his family?
It might embarrass him because he might not have a good home life.
What is an "icebox"?
a freezer
What does "had everything in it but hammer and nails"?
What did she feed him for dinner?
Ham and lima beans (cake for dessert)
Why do you think he wanted to say something more than "Thank you" at the end?
What would you rate this short story on a scale of 1 to 10?
Answers will vary