Vocab/Figurative Language
What is a Memoir?
Moment in an author's life that is true, but subjective because its written many years later
What primary activity are the children doing in the beginning of the story?
making snowballs
What perspective or POV is the story told?
First Person
Wild Card
Free Space
What is the setting of this story?
Pittsburgh 1950
What does revert mean?
Go back to an original version of the self
What happens when the speaker throws the snowball?
It hits the car and creates a shape on the windshield angering the driver.
How would you describe the man who chases them?
"sainted, skinny, furious redheaded"
What does the author learn from the experience of being chased?
That one must fully commit to what they're doing
Why does the author say she would "die happy" if the man had "cut off her hands"?
This moment had a profound impact on her and she didn't care the consequences
What literary device does the author use in the line "The cars traveled Reynolds Street slowly and evenly; they were targets all but wrapped in red ribbon, cream puffs?"
Metaphor
What does the author find surprising about the man who chased them?
He did not give in and seemed to know what kids knew.
Who is the other kid chased by the man with the speaker?
Mike Fahey
Which statement best explains why Dillard says "I wanted the glory to last forever"?
She found the chase exhilarating and didn't want it to end
Who is the author of the story?
Annie Dillard
Perfunctorily most likely means
to do a medial or normal task without enthusiasm
How does the chase end?
Who does the speaker see as both their captor and their hero?
The Man
What is the main theme of this passage from "An American Childhood"?
The thrill of facing challenges with full commitment
Which sport does the main character play at the beginning with the boys?
Football
How is righteous used in the story? What does it mean?
One's sense or right in the world
What is the cause and effect relationship most important in the story
Hint: there are four parts
snowfall--> snow-throwing--> hitting the Buick --> man chases kids
Name the three other neighborhood boys from "across Reynolds" who were part of the group throwing snowballs but got away when the man started his pursuit.
Mackie Kean, Chickie McBride, Billy Paul, or Peter Fahey.
What does the author mean when she says "We all played by the rules?"
They understand their social rules
Which of the following best describes the "iceball project" mentioned in the passage?
Creating a perfectly round, clear ball of ice