Characters
Who unexpectedly becomes responsible for a baby?
Dante
“The baby started screaming again and Dante felt his head beginning to pound.”
Pick a key word and identify either:
What major theme is shown through the baby storyline?
Responsibility
What are connotations?
What you think, feel, or imagine about a word
“Dad’s voice was sharp and cold as he spoke to Dante,”
what word class is “sharp”?
: Adjective
Which character often behaves more maturely than Dante?
Adam
“You can’t just walk away from this because things get hard.”
Pick a key word and identify either:
What theme is linked to Dante trying to act “tough”?
Masculinity
“You can’t just walk away from this.”
What does “walk away” connote?
Escaping responsibility / avoidance / abandonment
“Adam carefully lifted the baby while Dante stood frozen beside him,”
what language technique is used in the word “frozen”?
Metaphor
Who tries to support the family through strict rules and expectations?
Tyler (Dad)
“Adam carefully lifted the baby while Dante stood frozen beside him.”
Pick a key word and identify either:
What theme is explored through Dante feeling trapped?
Pressure/ Fear
What does the word “baby” connote in the novel?
Innocence, vulnerability, responsibility, dependence
To what extent is Dante responsible for his own problems by Chapter 12?
Partly responsible because he avoids difficult situations and struggles to act maturely. However, the pressure of becoming a teenage father, expectations from society, and lack of emotional support also contribute to his problems. The novel suggests responsibility is difficult for someone still growing up themselves.
Which character hides emotions behind confidence or jokes?
Dante
"Dad’s voice was sharp and cold as he spoke to Dante.”
Pick a key word and identify either:
How does Boys Don't Cry show that pressure affects different characters in different ways?
If a character is described as “silent,” what might that connote?
Fear, tension, sadness, anger, discomfort
How does the author use tension and conflict within the family to explore the theme of responsibility?
Arguments between Dante and Dad show different ideas about responsibility and maturity. The stress caused by the baby creates conflict, showing how responsibility can pressure relationships and force characters to grow up.
Which character is suffering from depression
Melani
“For a moment Dante wanted to run out the door and never come back.”
Pick a key word and identify either:
Which theme is presented as the MOST important by Chapter 12 — responsibility, masculinity, family, or pressure?
Justify your answer using:
Responsibility
What connotations does the idea of “pressure” have throughout the novel?
: Stress, weight, expectations, emotional burden, feeling trapped
Adam carefully lifted the baby while Dante stood frozen beside him.”
what is: