Reading Comprehension
Why does Chay Chouan take the blame for Franklin Smith's accident?
He covers for his girlfriend, Louisa Smith.
Both the narrator's mother and her former boyfriend have accused her of perfectionism. In what ways do Jill's own actions and emotions illustrate this character trait?
Irritation with anything out of place, having and using a spot remover kit, her expectation that Allen would have appreciated her planning and organization, etc.
Identify a symbol of Trouble from Trouble, and briefly explain how it is a symbol of Trouble.
Black Dog is a symbol of Trouble. She never leaves Henry's side, and represents the Trouble from the situation with Chay Chouan and Franklin.
How does Richard Wright win the rights to the streets of Memphis?
He learns to fight, so that he has the right to walk safely on the streets in his neighborhood.
Why does the narrator of "The Scarlet Ibis" try to teach his brother Doodle to walk?
So that he would not feel ashamed of his brother.
Describe the character traits of Doodle. Use details from the text to support your response.
Answers will vary. He is determined and persistent to learn how to walk, etc. He is trusting of his brother (and his motives).
What is verbal irony often associated with? Why?
Sarcasm, because they are words spoken expressing something contrary to the truth. Sarcasm is done in a humorous, but often hurtful way.
What does Richard Wright associate with his hunger pangs?
The image of his father
“Pancakes” clearly points out the downside of perfectionism, but it suggests that this character trait can be a positive force as well. Citing specific details from the story, decide whether perfectionism is an asset or a fault.
Answers will vary. Jill's perfectionism helps her get a job and handle special responsibilities; she also often demands control over methodologies in the work place, to a fault.
A nickname can sometimes be a kind of symbol. What does Doodle's nickname tell you about the feelings and expectations others have for him in "The Scarlet Ibis"? Be specific.
Doodle is derived from doodlebug, and indicates that others have low expectations of him, much like one would have for an insignificant bug.
Which type of figurative language is the following example? "I'd give the world to make the summer stay".
Hyperbole
One of the reasons that Jill is upset at the beginning of "Pancakes" is that her mother "subtly" suggests she's a perfectionist. What is another reason that she is upset?
Allen Feinman accuses her of "rabid perfectionism".
What does the narrator of "Mine on Thursdays" reveal about his character traits through 1st person POV?
Answers may vary. He shows that he is a conflicted person, divided between his pleasures and his family. He also shows that he is selfish, since he puts himself ahead of his family often.
What is the symbolic connection between Doodle and the scarlet ibis?
Both are exotic creatures that have landed in a time or place that is not entirely hospitable to them. Both are delicate, frail, unusual beauties with short lives and tragic deaths.
Wright uses words and phrases to personify hunger in "Rights to the Streets of Memphis". What effect does this personification have on the reader? Be specific.
Hunger is made to be human-like, so that it's effects on the narrator seem more vivid to the reader.
Why does Howie not ride the "Rocket Ride" with Holly?
He is distracted by a pretty woman, as well as a cold one at the bar across the street.
Consider how learning Jill's thoughts contributes to your understanding of her character. How would your reaction to Jill be different if you didn't know what Jill was thinking and feeling? Support your response with details from the text.
Answers will vary. Jill appears outwardly self-assured and in a measure of control. Only her thoughts reveal her insecurity and vulnerability. If we did not know what she was thinking and feeling, we might react the way that the customers are reacting--with annoyance at her confident, sometimes insensitive, attitude toward others.
Describe the symbolic connection between "The Scarlet Ibis" and the flower from "Woman With Flower".
Answers may vary. Doodle is a delicate flower, but was not given a chance to "seek the sunlight" for himself, and was "stunted by too careful prodding" by his brother.
Which of the following themes does the symbolism of the ibis support in "The Scarlet Ibis", and why? Use specific details from the text to support your response.
1. Selfish pride generally causes more harm than good.
2. Delicate creatures need to be protected and cared for.
3. Spiteful cruelty toward a loved one often stems from wounded pride.
Answers will vary.
Provide an example of an idiom.
Answers may vary. Ex. Bite off more than you can chew.