Sequence of Events
Incident: Summarize the central incidents that take place in the first part of the story.
In the beginning of the story, Walter get in trouble at school because his speech makes others laugh at him and he loses his temper.
What character traits are revealed about Walter at the beginning of the story?
impulsive, easily distracted, has a temper, and struggles with speaking.
What text evidence can be used to support the idea that Walter has a temper?
"I gave Sidney Aronofsky the biggest punch ever had..."
What were the main causes of the narrator's bad behavior?
The narrator has trouble keeping still and quiet. He feels anxious about his speech problems and lashes out at his peers when they laugh at him.
What is the metaphor in paragraph 14, and how does it help characterize Mrs. Conway?
The metaphor of a great white turtle paints Mrs. Conway as slow but persistent, and perhaps unattractive.
Response: In the second part of the story, what is the main result of the incidents from the beginning of the story?
Then, because Walter is smart but impulsive, he is placed in Mr. Lasher's class and has to make a decision about his behavior.
What character traits are revealed about Mrs. Conway at the beginning of the story?
Grumpy, strict, fair
What text evidence supports the idea that Walter is easily distracted?
"I had a need to up all the spaces... with activity"
Based on what the narrator says and what you know about his character, why might books and reading be so important to him?
Because of his sensitivity about his speech, and his impulsiveness, Walter's relation to the real world is full of trouble and tension, whereas the world of books filled the spaces at any time with adventures.
In paragraph 22, what word does the narrator use to describe his "needs improvement" mark on his report card? What does this word choice convey to the reader?
He uses the word "glorious" to describe the mark. It conveys great happiness. The narrator is delighted because "needing improvement" is the best mark he has ever received.
Reflection: How does the narrator change or grow by the end of the story?
Finally, Walter realizes that he can be smart and behave himself. His grades and behavior improve. He is even recommended for advance placement and selected to carry the flag at eighth-grade graduation.
What character traits are revealed about Walter in the second part of the story?
He was helpful and became a leader.
What text evidence support the idea that Walter becomes a leader in Mr. Lasher's class?
"He put me in charge of anything that needed a leader and made me coach the slower kids in reading."
Review your annotations and incidents and responses in the story. How do these events shape the narrator's character over the course of the story? Support your ideas with details from the text.
Each incident that the narrator faces seems like a setback, but the learns something. For example, he is embarrassed and upset when Mrs. Conway takes away his comic, but she gives him a "worthwhile" book to read instead. He learns that he loves reading.
How does the author use sensory details in paragraph 9 to help the reader imagine the narrator as a smart, creative kid, who is stuck in place he does not want to be?
The narrator offers images of "the purely imagined scenarios" that would "dance" through Walter's head to help the reader understand his creative mind that isn't stimulated.
What theme or what lesson is learned at the end of the story?
Believe in yourself even if there are obstacles in the way.
What character traits are revealed about Walter in the last part of the story?
Walter became proud.
What text evidence supports the idea that Walter is proud of his good grades and his good conduct?
" I was either first or second in every subject, and he even gave me a satisfactory in conduct..."
How did Mr. Lasher become a positive influence in Walter's Life?
He helped him improve his speech by having Walter attend speech therapy and helped him believe in himself by convincing him that his good reading ability and good test scores made him a special student.
What does the word "glint" mean in paragraph 8?
The word "glint" is used to describe the look in Johnny Brown's eye; it suggests that Johnny had the intention of mocking Walter.