Powder
What risky decision does the father make during the skiing trip in "Powder"?
The father decides to drive the car through heavy snow on a closed mountain road so they can get home on time.
What everyday activity is central to "Las Papas"?
Cooking and preparing food is central to "Las Papas."
What should you underline to understand the narrator's perspective in "Powder"?
You should underline the narrator’s descriptions of the skiing trip and his feelings about it.
How does the father in "Powder" show his flaws?
The dad shows flaws by acting impulsively and making risky choices.
How does the setting in "Powder" create a mood of urgency?
The snowy mountain makes the situation feel urgent and risky.
How does the father's attitude towards the adventure affect the narrator's perception?
The father is excited and carefree, which feels adventurous, but the son has mixed feelings about it.
How does the caretaker in "Las Papas" show care for the child?
The caretaker shows care by engaging with the child during cooking and sharing family memories.
What key questions should you ask about the father's attitude in both texts?
Key questions include: What do the father’s words and actions tell you about his character?
What shared characteristics do both fathers exhibit?
Shared characteristics include a desire to connect with their children and the complexities of their relationships.
Describe the kitchen setting in "Las Papas" and its effect on the story's tone.
In “Las Papas”, the kitchen is described as warm, full of smells, and busy with activity as the mother peels potatoes. This setting feels cozy and familiar, creating a gentle and comforting tone. The kitchen shows family closeness and tradition, which makes the story feel calm and loving.
What does the snow symbolize in "Powder"?
The snow symbolizes risk, change, and the unpredictability of family life.
What cultural traditions are highlighted in "Las Papas"?
Cultural traditions highlighted include the significance of food in family gatherings and rituals.
How do the authors hint at their messages through character actions?
The authors hint at their messages through characters’ actions, such as the father's decisions in "Powder" and the caretaker's nurturing in "Las Papas."
How does the child's perspective in "Las Papas" influence our understanding of the caretaker?
The child's perspective in "Las Papas" shows admiration and warmth towards the caretaker, influencing how we perceive the adult's role.
What details in "Powder" reflect the family's history?
Details reflecting the family's history include references to past Christmas traditions and memories tied to the skiing trip.
How does the father's character reflect themes of risk and family responsibility?
The dad’s character shows taking risks while also dealing with family responsibility.
Describe a moment in "Las Papas" that emphasizes the bond between the caretaker and the child.
A moment emphasizing their bond is when they share stories and memories while preparing a meal together.
What type of notes should you write in the margins to analyze cultural context?
Write notes about cultural hints that support the story's events, such as family traditions or historical context.
Give an example of a time a character struggles with their feelings
In Powder, the boy feels torn between wanting to impress his father and being scared of the dangerous snowboarding stunt."
How does the snowy mountain setting impact the characters' decisions in "Powder"?
The snowy mountain setting forces the characters to take risks and make quick choices.
Compare how Wolff and Ortega use their characters to convey messages about family dynamics.
How does cooking in "Las Papas" serve as a means of preserving cultural identity?
Cooking serves as a means of preserving cultural identity by passing down recipes and traditions.
Why is it important to recognize different perspectives in both stories?
Recognizing different perspectives helps to deepen understanding of character motivations and themes in both stories.
What do the dads in both stories show us about how parenting can be complicated?"
The dads show that parenting is not always simple. One dad takes risks to bond with his son, and the other shows love through family routines. Both show that parenting can be done in different ways.
How does the snowstorm change what the dad and son do in the story?
The snowy mountain in “Powder” makes the dad take a risky shortcut through the snow so they can get home on time.