Characters
This character is first portrayed as a dedicated teacher who wants to instill morals and ethics in his students. Later, we see that he himself does not always make the right choices.
Who is Mr. Hundert/the narrator?
This prestigious tradition tests students’ knowledge of ancient Rome through written and oral competitions.
What is the "Mr. Julius Caesar" competition?
Sedgewick Bell’s father was a senator for this U.S. state.
What is West Virginia?
Mr. Hundert struggled between exposing Sedgewick Bell’s cheating and keeping this man’s approval.
Who is Mr. Woodbridge?
Mr. Hundert emphasizes this principle, reminding his students of their insignificance compared to the sands of time.
What is humility?
This character is unlike any other student the narrator has ever met; he is described as a "dullard" and "roustabout."
Who is Sedgewick Bell?
Above the classroom door, a clay relief featured this forgotten king, meant to humble students.
Who is Shutruk-Nahhunte?
Sedgewick Bell senior’s voice, described as this, helped him win over voters despite controversial policies.
What is a tobacco drawl?
Senator Bell’s cutting words, “You will not mold him,” were directed at this person.
Who is Mr. Hundert?
Mr. Hundert reflects on how this, when left unchecked, leads to compromise and moral failure.
What is power/ambition?
This character is the headmaster of the school and warns the narrator to ignore Sedgewick's cheating or lose his job
Who is Mr. Woodbridge?
The boys created these costumes as part of their Roman history studies, though Sedgewick Bell mocked them.
What are togas?
Senator Bell gave Mr. Hundert this antique item, supposedly connected to Robert E. Lee.
What is a sidearm?
Mr. Hundert felt regret for this humiliating tactic used to curb Sedgewick’s early classroom antics.
What is asking him questions he couldn't answer?
The story explores how this value, key to effective teaching, can sometimes conflict with institutional expectations.
What is integrity?
This character intimidates both the narrator and Sedgewick Bell
Who is Senator Sedgewick Hyram Bell?
Mr. Hundert’s quarters at St. Benedict’s were in this historical type of room, a remnant from the estate’s past.
What is a slave’s room?
Sedgewick Bell’s rude nature was evident from this cutting remark during his first day at St. Benedict’s.
What is, “Your mother must be wearing your pants today”?
Mr. Woodbridge warned Mr. Hundert that exposing Sedgewick’s cheating would lead to this personal consequence.
What is losing his job?
Sedgewick Bell’s character demonstrates the tension between natural leadership and this negative trait.
What is arrogance (or immorality)?
This character is one of 2 women mentioned in the story, and she is the one brings the narrator "back to [his] senses."
Who is Deepak Mehta's mother?
The sons of senators, businessmen, and other prestigious figures.
What are the types of students that attend St. Benedict's?
Sedgewick Bell’s academic rise culminated in this dishonorable act during the “Mr. Julius Caesar” competition.
What is cheating?
Mr. Hundert realized the "Outline of Ancient Roman History" was hidden here during the competition.
What is inside Sedgewick’s toga?
The contrast between Deepak Mehta and Sedgewick Bell highlights the difference between earned success and this.
What is dishonesty?