Characterization
Why did the parents often send the boys food from home?
The boys were not well fed at school (the headmaster didn't want to spend money)
Dahl describes the town of Weston-Super-Mare as "seedy". What does this mean?
Unsafe, dangerous, run-down
What was painted on Dahl's trunk and tuck-box?
R. DAHL.
How did Dahl feel while riding on the paddle-steamer?
He enjoyed it.
The author says the paddle wheels "sloshed and churned" through the water. What does this mean?
What detail shows that Dahl's mother wanted him to stay as close to home as possible?
She chose a school that was as near as possible to their home in South Wales.
What does "apprehensive" mean?
Nervous or worried.
Why does Dahl compare the tuck-box to a lady's handbag (purse)?
To show that it is secretive/private.
How did Dahl begin to feel when he arrived in Weston-super-Mare?
Apprehensive, nervous, or worried.
The Headmaster's grin is compared to a shark's grin. What does this mean?
He is intimidating and seems threatening.
What does Dahl calling the school a "private lunatic asylum" show about his feelings?
He was nervous entering the school/did not want to be there.
What does "ravenous" mean?
Extremely hungry.
As Dahl gets closer and closer to arriving at St. Peter's, he feels more _________.
Nervous
What detail shows Dahl was not used to being away from family?
He had never spent a night away from his family before.
The author's description that the Headmaster's hair "glistened like butter". What does that mean?
It's shiny or greasy
Why are tuck boxes considered important to the boys at boarding school?
It's where they keep important items.
What does "pry" mean as used in the story?
To look into something that is private.
What did Dahl notice about the Headmaster's tooth?
One of his front teeth was edged with gold.
How did the Headmaster feel about the parents that were dropping their sons off at school?
He wanted them to leave quickly/not linger
Why does Dahl use exaggerated descriptions of the Headmaster?
To show that from a child's perspective, he is scary.
What do Dahl's descriptions of the Headmaster reveal about how Dahl viewed him?
Dahl viewed the Headmaster as intimidating, frightening, and unfriendly.
What does "disembarked" mean?
Got off a boat.
What theme (lesson) about new experiences is developed in this passage?
Facing new experiences can be exciting but also frightening.
What evidence shows Dahl was overwhelmed at the end of the passage?
He began to cry.
Why might an author choose figurative language instead of a literal description when describing fear?
It helps readers experience the emotion more vividly.