Marking Period 1
Melinda uses the metaphor of a "wounded zebra" to describe the atmosphere of her high school. What is the atmosphere like?
Melinda feels vulnerable and unsafe
What does the action of Melinda covering the mirror with a poster of Maya Angelou, an author and activist, represent?
Melinda wants to be "covered" by someone who uses their powerful voice.
When Melinda encounters Andy Evans on the street, she compares herself to a bunny. Based on her recent behavior, this comparison most likely demonstrates that she sees herself as:
A helpless prey animal that is vulnerable
What does Melinda's protest on the Suffragette's assignment symbolize?
Melinda finally stands up for what she believes in by protesting the oral report.
""We collide and roll like bumper cars at the state fair."
simile
What does Melinda's bedroom represent?
Melinda's room is a reflection of others and not herself.
What is the mood of this section?
"The wet wool smells like first grade, walking to school on a cold morning with
my milk money jangling in the tips of my mittens. We lived in a different house then, a smaller house.
Mom worked at the jewelry counter and was home after school. Dad had a nicer boss and talked all
the time about buying a boat. I believed in Santa Claus."
Nostalgic, comfort, innocence
When Melinda visits the hospital, she says "there is nothing wrong with me." Why does she believe there is nothing wrong with her?
Melinda thinks that sick people only struggle physically, not mentally.
What does Melinda's yard work symbolize about her inner life?
It symbolizes the "cleaning" of her soul to prepare for growth.
"We are the Wombats, woozy, wicked Wombats! Worried, withdrawn, weepy, weird Wombats"
alliteration
What is symbolic of Melinda painting nearly dead trees?
The trees represent her poor emotional state.
What does this excerpt reveal about Melinda's emotional state?
"A minor blizzard blows outside. The weather lady says it's a lake-effect storm--the wind from
Canada sucks up water from Lake Ontario, runs it through the freeze machine, and dumps it on
Syracuse. I can feel the wind fighting to break through our storm windows. I want the snow to bury our house."
The external "freeze machine" mirrors Melinda’s emotional numbness and her desire to be hidden from the world.
Melinda finds it extremely difficult to create her "tree" in art class. Because the tree symbolizes Melinda’s own life and growth, her struggle to draw it suggests that she is:
Feeling stunted and unable to move past her internal pain
How does Rachel react to the truth that Melinda tells her about Andy Evans?
She refuses to believe her.
"She apologizes a hundred million times."
hyperbole
What does the janitor's closet represent to Melinda?
It is a safe space for Melinda.
Why does Melinda faint during the frog disection?
It reminds her of the assault.
Mr. Freeman tells Melinda, "When people don't express themselves, they die one piece at a time." Which of Melinda's actions best illustrates the truth of this statement?
She remains silent during a meeting with the Principal, isolating herself further.
How does Melinda react when Andy attacks her at school?
She screams and defends herself.
Mr. Neck storms into class, a bull chasing thirty-three red flags.
metaphor
Why does Melinda turn her bedroom mirror around?
She does not like the way she looks.
How does Melinda's mom react to Melinda's cries for help?
She doesn't take Melinda seriously or directly address the problem through conversation
Why does Heather dump Melinda as a friend?
Heather believes Melinda is too depressing.
How does Melinda’s final tree art reflect her own life?
The tree represents Melinda's personal growth and ability to overcome obstacles.
Whenever Melinda gets nervous, she bites her lip. Which literary device is this?
motif