Alison
Describe Alison
Imaginative, cheerful, naive girl who gets kidnapped
Describe Kyle
An athletic, impulsive, and troubled boy who struggles between aggression and a desire to do the right thing.
What is the major theme in Victory Lap
The conflict between innocence and the harsh realities of the world.
What does the Geode represent when Kyle uses it against the attacker
Taking action and break free from his parents' control
How does Alison initially view the world before her frightening encounter
As an idealistic and safe place
What does Kyle decide do
He decides to ignore his parents' rules and save Alison from the attacker
What theme does Kyle show when he decides to break the rules
Independence, choosing to finally think for himself
What does the kidnapper's van symbolize in the story
Symbolizes danger and threat of losing control or freedom
What does Alison believe her beauty and kindness can do
Make the world a better place
How do Kyle's parents treat him
Kyle's parents are very strict and control everything he does
What theme is shown through Alison’s dreams
Wanting safety and heroes
What does Kyle’s hesitation before acting symbolize
It symbolizes the inner conflict between fear and doing what is right
How does Alison initially respond to the stranger at her door
She politely assumes he is delivering something
What is Kyle's initial reaction when he sees the stranger approaching Alison
He feels an instinctive urge to protect her and decides to intervene.
What theme is shown through the tension between Kyle's fear of consequences and his desire to be heroic
Courage and strength even through own personal risk
What does the sudden silence after the crisis symbolize for Kyle and Alison
It symbolizes the peace and sense of safety that follows after facing and overcoming danger.
What does Alison do during the kidnapping
She tries to decide whether to fight back or to stay still hoping the attacker will leave them alone
How does Kyle’s response to the situation contrast with Alison’s initial perception of the world
While Alison sees the world as safe and ideal, Kyle’s quick, instinctive action shows he is more attuned to danger and reality
How does the story convey the theme that small actions can have big impacts
Kyle’s single, brave act of throwing the rock changes the course of Alison’s fate and demonstrates that small decisions can lead to significant outcomes
What do Kyle's parents' strict rules symbolize in the story
They symbolize societal expectations and the limits against personal growth and decision-making.
What are Kyle's parents reason for being so strict on him? Use text evidence
"I know we sometimes strike you as strict but you are literally all we have."