Thank You, M'am
Who is Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones?
The woman who helps Roger
The new rule at the school regarding the jacket says it now costs how much?
$15
What is the narrative point-of-view used to tell "The Scholarship Jacket"?
1st person
Explain why Martha refers to the scholarship jacket as "our only chance."
Her family is too poor to afford registration fees or equipment for sports, making a merit-based academic award the only school award they could ever achieve
Why is the school changing the rules and charging a fee for the jacket?
They do not want Martha to get the jacket, they want Joann to get it
What is the reason Roger gives for trying to steal Mrs. Jones's purse?
He wants to buy a pair of blue suede shoes
Why does Martha live with her grandparents instead of her parents?
Her parents can't afford to have her at home
What type of conflict is highlighted when Roger repeatedly looks at the open door, looks at Mrs. Jones, looks back at the door, and then chooses to go to the sink?
Character vs. Self
Explain why Mrs. Jones treats Roger with hospitality and dignity instead of turning him over to the police.
She confesses that she was once young, wanted things she could not have, and made mistakes she is not proud of; she chooses empathy to guide him instead of punishment
What can you infer about Roger's circumstances from this exchange with Mrs. Jones: "Your face is dirty. I got a great mind to wash your face for you. Ain't you got nobody home to tell you to wash your face?"..."No'm," said the boy
Roger is neglected at home
Where does Mrs. Jones work?
The hotel beauty shop
Who fiercely refuses to go along with the school's unjust rule change?
Her history teacher, Mr. Schmidt
Which part of speech is the word "vile" in the sentence: “Something bitter and vile tasting was coming up in my mouth.”
Adjective
Explain how the first-person narration style changes how the reader experiences the unfairness in "The Scholarship Jacket."
Allows the reader to feel Martha's direct heartbreak, shock, and personal humiliation, making the systemic prejudice feel much more personal; it also limits our understanding of the principal and her grandfather's motivations
When Roger looks from the open door to Mrs. Jones and back to the open door, the reader can infer that he is...
wondering if he should try to escape
Mrs. Jones gives Roger a warning that shoes bought dishonestly will _________________.
Burn his feet
Why won’t Martha's grandfather pay for the jacket?
Because she shouldn’t have to pay for something she earned
The impact of justice is the ____________ of "The Scholarship Jacket."
Theme
Explain what life lesson Martha ultimately learns from her quiet grandfather's refusal to compromise.
She learns that you must never pay for your own worth or validate an unfair system just to receive an honor you rightfully earned.
Why does Martha expect to win the jacket?
She had been a straight-A student since the first grade; she's the valedictorian
Why does Roger offer to get milk for Mrs. Jones?
To repay her for her kindness, to gain her trust, and to show that he is honest.
What is a valedictorian?
The student who has the highest grades
What is the theme emphasized by Langston Hughes through Mrs. Jones's unexpected kindness to a kid who wronged her?
Having gratitude for a second chance
At the end of the story, Martha's grandfather doesn't say anything about the jacket and she says, "he can't fool me." To what is she referring?
She knows her grandfather is proud of her, even if he doesn't say it
How does the argument between Mr. Schmidt and Mr. Boone make Martha feel?
Sad, angry, embarassed