Freemyer's First Read "The Refusal"

Final Jeopardy

500

The last paragraph suggest something might happen in the future. What is it? 

"The younger generation are not content with being refused, and will not tolerate it forever. Since they might entertain "revolutionary" ideas, and change things.

Character

100

What is the difference between a simple and a complex character? 

Simple have one trait, typically. They are less real. Complex characters have depth, multiple traits, and they often change. 

200

Is the colonel simple or complex? 

Simple: he is inflexible. An authoritarian. He is above the citizens. He doesn't second guess his actions. 

300

How old is the narrator? 

A grown up. He has "known the colonel for years, because he was already a colonel when I was a child". 

400

What does the soldier do to the townspeople on page three, and what is the effect on them in the shop? 

He doesn't talk to them, but stands and watches them with his hand on his knife. It really creeps them out, so they stop talking and leave. 

500

How would you explain this statement? "The citizens of the town are the complex characters in this story."

They have multiple, sometimes conflicting traits. They are oppressed and suffering, yet they want and need the government. 

Did I Get It?

100

Where does this story take place?

The setting is a small town that is far from the frontier and unimaginably far from the capital.

200

Who represents the government in the town?

The tax-collector, known as the colonel, is the de facto authority in the town.

300

True or False: The colonel never grants petitions. 

False: paragraph 6 shows that minor ones are granted, almost as a personal action taken by the colonel. Major ones are never granted. 

400

What was it that the townfolk were asking for? 

"A years tax exemption, and perhaps timber from the imperial forest at a reduced price."

500

The reaction that the townsfolk have to the refusal is a character detail worth tracking. What phrase shows their reaction, and why does it stand out? (Double points for both answers). 

"Undeniable sense of relief"

"Without this refusal one simply cannot get along"

"one returns, if not exactly strengthened or happy, nevertheless not disappointed or tired."

It stands out because it is a positive response to not getting what you want, which is weird.

Annotation

100

What is the word inside "annotation" that best clues us in to what it means? 

"Note" or "notation" because it is leaving notes on what you read. 

200

What are the three parts to annotation from the checklist? 

Track, Question, and Respond

300

What are the 4 things that high schoolers are to "track" in a story? 

Details about "character", "setting", and "plot", and then any "changes" to them. 

400

True or False: The more annotations the better. 

False: too many annotations overly slow down a reader AND they might show that the reader isn't detecting the parts of the story that matter and those that don't. 

500

In what way is annotation in reading like dribbling in basketball? 

It is a "fundamental" which you never stop doing, but rather get better and better at in time. 

Vocab

100

Define "desolate". 

"of a place) deserted of people and in a state of bleak and dismal emptiness."

200

What 4 context clues in paragraph 5 (page 3) help you define "rigid" as it relates to people? 

"Shut-off", "unapproachable", "silent", "serious"

300

True or False: the word "exceptional" in paragraph 5 is best defined as "exceedingly good". 

False: it is closer to meaning "different from normal" because the Colonel is breathing heavier than normal. 

400

What is a synonym for the word "petition", as it is used in paragraph 5 (page 4)?

"Request" or "appeal". 

500

True or False: the word "explicitly" in paragraph 6 best fits with the definition: "done in a risque or sexual manner". 

False: it means "directly".