1. Give two examples of things people who believe in luck might do. (try to remember from the story)
a. Have good luck charms
b. Look on the brighter side of a situation
c. Not do certain things (wash lucky socks)
100
1. How does the author use first person POV to drive the plot of the story?
In order to help the readers, relate by explaining the characters, indicating theme, and driving the plotline of the story.
100
1. Has Mr. Pickens ever had experience with animals? Give a detail that explains why or why not
Yes, because he is – caught the dog, was good to the dog, was checking on the dog
100
1. “I hope I have that kind of good stone luck one day” (66). Why does Clifton refer to this as “good stone luck”?
a. To attach luck to an object in this case Ms. Perkins and the stone.
200
2. The author repeats luck and luckiest a lot. Why do you think she does this?
a. To help the reader better develop a theme
200
2. How does switching between first person and third person help develop the stories theme?
It shows a change in time and reinforces that the story is about a
200
2. How would you describe Mr. Pickens? explain
Lively, kind, happy, caring
200
2. “well he lit out after me, poor thing. He lit out after me and I flew. Round and round the Silas Greene we run.” What does lit out most likely mean?
Chased
300
3. Give an example of bad luck that might also be good luck?
Getting in an accident, being okay
300
3. Why do you think the reader uses first person POV to tell her story?
To make the reader feel as though they are actually in the story, to drive the plot, and to remind the reader that this is a flash back
300
3. How would you describe Elzie? explain
Adventurous, superstitious, fun, happy
300
3. “While I was watchin how the sun shined on him and made him look like and angel come to help a poor sinner girl…” Why is Clifton referring to the character as a poor sinner girl?
to show how different the two characters are
400
4. Why do you think Elzie believes the stone is lucky?
a. She has attached a positive feeling to the stone
400
4. Why do you think the story switches to third person POV in the end?
The story had a story within it and was now switched to be the original story. This stresses that Elzie was remembering a time in her past. Sweet Tee was not there for that part of her life and is on the rocking chairs on the porch
400
4. What does Sweet Tee say at the end of the story? What does this say about her character?
She hopes to be lucky like her grandmother one day, she believes in luck and wants to fall in love
400
4. “Ovella and me lost heart for the shows then and we walked on home.” What does this quote mean?
They changed their mind about joining the Silas Greene
500
5. What would you say the theme of the story is? Defend your idea with two details.
a. Any viable answer
500
5. Why is Elzie telling her granddaughter the story?
To express that even unfortunate circumstances can become lucky if you have a positive outlook and look for the silver lining.
500
5. How is dogwood significant in the story?
It triggers Elzie’s memory of a happy day. she tells the story because she met her husband when the dogwoods were in bloom
500
5. “I felt myself slowin down after a while and I thought I would turn around a little bit to see how much gain that cute little dog was makin on me.” Why does Clifton include this line? What does it do for the story?
Creates suspense and shows that Elzie is afraid the dog is going to catch her