Vocabulary
This term describes someone who is sure of themselves, much like the fifteen-year-old Vera.
Why is it important that Vera and Framton are strangers in the story?
So Vera will be able to trick/decieve Framton.
What type of mood enhancing details has the author added to this sentence?
The misty air rolled over the dark green hills, painting them almost gray.
Setting, Figurative Language
The wind howled outside the old house. The lights flickered, and the wooden floor creaked under slow footsteps. Maria held her breath as a sudden knock echoed through the empty hallway.
Suspenseful, ominous, eerie, tense, etc.
What is another word for worried feelings? Framton experiences them in the story.
Nerves
How would you describe Vera in the story? Provide at least 2 adjectives.
Intelligent, deceitful, confident, self-assured, cruel (answers may vary)
What kind of mood enhancing details has the author added to these sentences?
I could feel the rigid crunch of my glasses, my new glasses, beneath my feet. My face felt hot. Red and hot and sweaty and clammy. My mom was going to kill me.
The sun warmed Jason’s face as he lay on the soft grass. Children laughed in the distance, and a gentle breeze carried the smell of fresh flowers. For the first time in weeks, he felt completely at peace.
What is the term for a sad event? Vera uses this term in the story to describe what happened to her aunt's husband and brothers.
Tragedy
What does Vera do at the end of the story in order to explain why Framton ran away?
She makes up a new lie and says that Framton is afraid of dogs.
What kinds of mood enhancing details has the author added to the following sentences?
The familiar sway of the well-loved porch swing was my one true comfort. Rhythmically rocking back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. My eyes softly fell shut as I drifted to sleep.
Word choice, imagery/sensory details
Lena stared at her test paper, her hands shaking. The clock ticked loudly, and her heart beat faster with every passing second. She knew this grade could change everything.
Anxious, nervous, worried, stressed, etc.
What is something that happens by chance? For example, Framton happening to visit on the exact anniversary of the tragedy.
Coincidence
Describe Framton using at least 2 adjectives. Why might he be a good "victim" for Vera?
Framton is anxious, nervous, on-edge. This makes him easy for Vera to manipulate because he already has the assumption that something bad may happen.
What kinds of mood enhancing details does the author add to the following sentences?
I am a mountain and I will not bow down. Your harsh words slip off me, down my sides like a rushing river and far away.
Figurative Language
Marcus kicked a stone across the empty street. Dark clouds covered the sky, matching the heaviness in his chest. He didn’t feel like talking to anyone—not today.
Sad, depressed, gloomy, etc.
Doubt
Why does Vera ask Framton, "Do you know many of the people here?"
She wants to know if she will be able to easily deceive him.
What type of mood enhancing details has the author added to this sentence?
I tip-toed, quiet as a mouse, down the staircase and into the ill-lit kitchen. I held my breath as I slowly pulled the cold metal handle of the fridge door. EEEEEKKKKKKKK the door seemed to squeal. My face burned as I heard the familiar click of my sister's bedroom door. I'd surely be found out!
Figurative language, word choice, imagery (sensory details), setting
The team jumped up and down as the final buzzer sounded. Confetti filled the air, and everyone shouted with wide smiles and raised hands. They had done it—they were champions!
Joyful, happy, excited, celebratory, etc.