Characters
Who is the protagonist in "First Day"?
Roald Dahl
What is a central theme of the passage "First Day"?
The challenges and fears associated with starting a new school.
Where is St. Peter's located?
It is located in England, near Dahl's home in South Wales.
What happens on Dahl's first day?
On Dahl's first day, he felt scared and nervous.
What figurative language describes the Headmaster in paragraph 11?
The Headmaster is described using a simile comparing his grin to that of a shark.
What were Dahl's feelings about starting school?
Dahl felt anxious and scared about starting school.
What is "tuck" and name one item that this could be.
Tuck is food that is sent by the boys' mothers to keep in their tuck boxes. Examples include "half a home-made currant cake, a packet of squashed-fly biscuits, a couple of oranges, an apple, a banana, a pot of strawberry jam or marmite, a bar of chocolate, a bag of Liquorice Allsorts and a tin of Bassett's lemonade powder" (Dahl, 55).
What is the physical description of St. Peter's?
It is described as a long, three-storeyed stone building on a hill above the town.
Why do parents send food from home?
Parents send food from home to help their children feel more comfortable and cared for.
What does Dahl’s description of St. Peter's suggest?
Dahl’s description of St. Peter's suggests it is imposing and intimidating. “It was a long three-storeyed stone building that looked rather like a private lunatic asylum”.
Why is the Headmaster described as intimidating?
The Headmaster is portrayed as intimidating and untrustworthy, with a shark-like grin.
What is a tuck-box and what is it used for?
"A tuck-box is a small pinewood trunk which is very strongly made" (Dahl, 54). It "as the name implies, is a box in which you store your tuck" (Dahl, 55). It is locked and only the boy hangs on to the key to keep their food sent from home safe.
How does the setting contribute to Dahl's feelings of apprehension?
The unfamiliar environment makes him feel isolated and anxious.
What were Dahl's feelings about being away from home?
Dahl felt apprehensive and worried about being away from home.
Which type of figurative language does Dahl use to express his emotions?
Imagery
What secrets do boys at St. Peter's keep?
The boys keep secrets about their tuck-boxes and the food they receive.
Why is it important for parents to send food from home, according to the passage?
It provides comfort and a connection to home for the boys.
Describe the atmosphere described in the seaside resort town.
It is described as a "seedy seaside resort," which adds to Dahl's discomfort.
Why does Dahl's mother choose a school closer to their home?
To ease the transition for Dahl, as he had never spent a night away from home before.
Identify an example of simile in the passage.
An example of simile is when he compares the Headmaster's grin to a shark's.
What can we infer about Dahl's mother from the passage?
She is caring and concerned about Dahl's well-being at school.
What does the story suggest about the nature of childhood experiences?
Childhood experiences are often filled with fear and uncertainty, but they also provide growth and resilience.
Why is the setting important for the story?
It establishes the challenges Dahl faces as he transitions into boarding school life.
What is one major conflict Dahl faces on his first day? Which type of conflict is this?
His fear of being alone and the uncertainty of boarding school life. This is a character vs. self conflict.
What can you infer about Dahl's feelings in paragraphs 12-14?
Dahl implies anxiety and a sense of loss regarding being left alone at school.