Show:
Conflict
Melinda
Miscellaneous
Literary Elements
100
What is Mr. Neck's issue with the United States?
He says to Melinda's class, "My family has been in this country for over two hundred years. We built this place, fought in every war from the first one and the last one, paid taxes, and voted...So tell me why my son can't get a job." (p 53)
100
What does Melinda do with the turkey bones from Thanksgiving?
She incorporates the turkey bones into her art project to create a tree.
100
What is the name of the new school mascot?
The Wombats.
100
Which literary elements are present in the following quote? "I watch the Eruptions. Mount Dad, long dormant, now considered armed and dangerous. Mount Saint Mom, oozing lava, spitting flame. Warn the villagers to run to the sea." (p 87)
Metaphors: Melinda compares her parents to erupting volcanoes to explain how mad they are./ Imagery: Descriptive language such as "oozing lava", "Mount Dad, long dormant now considered armed and dangerous" (to name a few)
200
** DJ ** What is Mr. Neck's issue with David?
David stands up to Mr. Neck in front of the class. David says, "If the class is debating, then each student has the right to say what's on his mind." and "You opened a debate. You can't close it just because it is not going your way." (p 54-56)/ David also records Mr. Neck's classes. / His parents and lawyers are threatening to sue the school district and Mr. Neck for everything to incompetence to civil rights violations.
200
What are two additional coping mechanisms that Melinda engages in?
Cutting herself has become more severe. She begins to use a paper-clip to cut her arm. She also uses a chisel in art class in front of the other students to cut herself.
200
What happy memories does Melinda recall during this section of the reading?
She remembers her father putting her up in the tree./ She recalls enjoying setting up the Christmas tree.
200
Which literary elements are present in the following quote?: "I can see it in my head: a strong old oak tree with a wide scarred trunk and thousands of leaves reaching the sun." (p78)
Imagery: the descriptive langauge descriving the tree as strong, wide, and scarred (damaged)./ Personification: "thousands of leaves reaching the sun"= leaves do not reach intentionally.
300
What does David do after Mr. Neck demands that he sit down?
"David stares at Mr. Neck, looks at the flag for a minutes, then picks up his books and walks out of the room." Melinda says that David says a million things without saying a word. I make a note to study David Petrakis. I have never heard a more eloquent silence." (p 57)
300
**DJ ** What is the cause of Melinda's increased fears/anxieties/ coping mechanisms?
Andy Evans has begun to openly harass her. He smiles at Melinda in the hallway, he whispers in her ear, and twirls her hair as he stands behind her talking to someone else.
300
What does Mr. Freeman say in response to Melinda's art project? How does this make Melinda feel?
He provides positive criticism/feedback. He says, "I see a girl caught in the remains of a holiday gone bad, with her flesh picked off day after day..This has meaning. Pain." (p 64-65). Melinda "laughs in spite" of her self. She realizes that she is getting the hang of creating art/expression.
300
What does the poster of Maya Angelou represent for Melinda? (Why does Laurie Anderson insert Maya Angelou into her story?
Symbolism: Maya Angelou symbolizes Melinda's need/desire to speak about her pain. Maya Angelou also represents the strength and power of a woman.
400
What does Melinda's mother say or do when she discovers that Melinda cuts herself.
1. Melinda's mom says, "I don't have time for this, Melinda." (p 88)/ 2. The mother leaves a self-help book for Melinda to read on the toilet seat. Melinda's mom doesn't take the time to support Melinda in a positive manner.
400
What is Melinda's new skill?
She is a able to sink many foul shots into the basket. She is asked to tutor a basketball player on how to score free throws.
400
How does Ivy respond to Melinda's work?
Ivy says, "It's scary. In a weird way..Good job, Mel." (p 64)
400
** DJ **What do trees represent for Melinda?
Her growth and healing. Her ability to express herself (or at least the beginning stages of her expression or communication about her pain).
500
What does the reader learn about Melinda's family during the holidays?
1. Her parents would probably be divorced by now if Melinda hadn't been born./ 2. She feels her parents are ordinary people like her and that they have failed as a family./ 3. While at work with her dad, she sees that he doesn't have a respectable job; she judges him.
500
Where does Melinda spend her time when she is supposed to be in extra help?
She spends time in her closet.
500
**DJ ** How is Merryweather High School's search for a mascot similar to Melinda’s search for identity?
Like Melinda, MHS is looking for an identity that best represents the character of the school.
500
Which literary elements are present in the following quote? "“It feels like the Prince of Darkness has swept his cloak over the table. The lights dim. I shiver. Andy stands behind me to flirt with Emily. I lean into the table to stay as far away from him as I can. The table saws me in half....Andy must be talking too, I can feel deep vibrations in my backbone, like a thudding speaker. I can’t hear the words. He twirls my ponytail in his fingers." (p 90-91)
Personification: "The table saws me in half": a table is not able to cut something in half./ Imagery: Descriptive language such as, "deep vibrations in my backbone", Andy as the "prince of darkness", the dim lights in the room/ Metaphor: Andy Evans is compared to 'the prince of darkness'.