Vocabulary
This word means to announce publicly and excitedly
Proclaiming
What happens during the drill competition that upsets Bud and his family?
Bud drops his Bayonet
"Bud" is a nickname. What is the protagonist's first and last name?
Tom Harris
Where does the story, “ The Boy and the Bayonet” take place?
Washington DC.
What is the literary definition of Theme?
Theme is defined as a main idea or an underlying meaning of a literary work, which may be stated directly or indirectly. Also, the author’s message.
This word means going against rules and expectations
Defiance
What makes Bud feel much better about his mistake?
The drill competition judge praised his discipline.
Besides love -How does Hannah Davis feel about Bud in the beginning of the story?
She is extremely proud of him.
When does the story, “The Boy and the Bayonet” take place?
After the Civil War, late 1800s, 19th Century, 1880 are all correct.
What is the theme of “The Boy and the Bayonet?”
If we are resilient, we can succeed.
Also: discipline, determination, perseverance, not giving up
This word means lacking hope.
Despairing
How does Bud look different going to school the next day after the competition?
He is out of uniform.
What is Bud’s primary motivation throughout the story?
To make his family proud and to earn that respect through hard work.
What do we mean by “conflict” when we are talking about a story [literature]?
Conflict is a character’s problem or struggle.
What characters demonstrate the story’s theme?
Bud and his mom, also little sister.
This means a personality, temperament, manner, or mood.
Disposition
The narrator tells us why Bud drops his Bayonet. What reason are we given?
Because he is thinking about his mother and sister watching him.
What is “Little Sister’s” real name?
It is never given.
What is the main conflict of “The Boy and the Bayonet?”
Bud’s desire to win the drill competition and make his family proud.
How does Bud’s mom, Hannah, ultimately convince him to be resilient?
By talking about his dead father’s courage.
This means sneaky or sly; secretive.
Furtively
How does Little Sister's claim of being more proud of Bud, having made the mistake, than if he'd won, become clear at the end?
The Officer / Judge tells the entire school that Bud is a great example of discipline. This changes our opinion, and Bud's opinion of himself, from failure to hero. This is something that would not have happened without the mistake and loss.
What personality trait do Hannah and Bud share that is the main theme of the story.
Determination or perseverance.
What two events make up the climax of the story?
The dropping of the bayonet and Company A not missing a beat.
The writer, Paul Laurence Dunbar, was African American. Why does it matter, for the theme of the story, “The Boy and the Bayonet,” that Bud and his family are African American?
Because of the challenges of racism, African Americans, and other people of color, need resilience more than anyone.