Symbols
Encyclopedia
Elwood’s drive for knowledge
“Closer. … For a moment. Out there in the sun. It was enough to feed his dreams.” Pg. 37
Fragment; Elwood’s fragmented thoughts about him being free
Finds his purpose by protesting and gaining knowledge
Elwood
Elwood going to the protest against his grandmother’s wishes
Rebellion
After greeting the class, what did Mr. Hill have his students do as the “first order of business”?
Cross out the profanities written by previous students
Textbooks with profanities
Lincoln High School doesn’t receive the equal opportunities that other schools have; children are taught racism/hatred
“N***** are Americans and their destiny is the country’s destiny” Pg.37 & “He who gets behind in a race must forever remain behind or run faster than the man in front” Pg.40
Direct Quotation; Elwood’s belief system showed through the voices of famous Black activists
A father figure for Elwood, who stood up for equal rights
Mr. Hill
Harriet’s belief that working hard will get you farther in life than speaking out vs. Elwood went to the protest holding a sign joining others in speaking out for change
Complacency vs. Taking Action
What made Elwood so nervous about performing his role in the play?
Elwood was scared of kissing a girl at the climax of the play
Fountain Pen
Mr. Marconi’s support of Elwood’s education
“Act above your station, and you will pay… Harriet would pay. Her father paid… Her husband, Monty, paid…” Pg. 33
Repetition of paid; Racism has affected Elwood’s entire family, making everyone “pay” for just being born in their skin
She’s looking out for Elwood to protect him
Harriet
Elwood read the whole encyclopedia even though the others were empty and used his broadened vocabulary in class
Dedication
Where did the protest that Elwood goes to take place?
Florida Theatre
Elwood’s Protest sign “I AM A MAN”
Elwood actually holding the sign shows his persistence in what he is fighting for; the words both show that fighting for what he believes in makes him into a man, also him showing that he is a man makes him worthy for equal rights
“Harriet Johnson was a slight humming bird of a woman” Pg.33
Metaphor; Harriet has vigor and strength in everything she does
Elwood’s ITALIAN boss who gives him a fountain pen.
Mr. Marconi
Elwood and Rodney were stopped by the police officer who believed they had stolen the Plymouth vehicle.
Mr. Hill’s class being given off old, torn, hand-me-down books from white schools.
Restrainment
Why was Elwood able to get the opportunity to attend Melvin Griggs?
Mr. Hill had a comrade who teaches at the college that was offering bright high schoolers to attend
Melvin Griggs College
Opportunity, hark work is paying off, achieving his goal
“He said he hadn’t heard of Melvin Griggs before, putting a dent in Elwood's pride over his big day.” pg. 42
Idiom; Elwood takes pride in going to Melvin Griggs, so the fact that Rodney doesn’t know of it makes Elwood subdued
He gives Elwood a ride in his Plymouth.
Rodney
Mr. Hill offers Elwood the opportunity to take college classes because he sees how successful of a student Elwood is.
Mr. Marconi lets Elwood take the day off work to go and protest.
Hard work will eventually get recognized
Why did the police officer pull Rodney and Elwood over?
The police officer thought that Rodney and Elwood stole the car they were driving