Imagery & Setting
What is the first description of the reef, and how does it set the mood of the story?
The reef is described as shimmering and dangerous, with vivid imagery of the moonlit sea, creating suspense and beauty.
What internal conflict does Jimmy Tom face during the dive?
Whether to retrieve the silk sponge or heed his grandfather’s warnings.)
How is Jim Tom’s personality reflected in his actions and dialogue?
He is cautious and wise, but also proud of his grandson’s bravery, shown through his storytelling and warnings.
What is one central theme of The Reef?
Courage and the willingness to face danger to achieve goals.
How does Scoville build suspense during the tiger shark scene?
Through pacing, vivid imagery, and the slow revelation of danger.
Identify one instance where Scoville uses sensory details to enhance the setting.
The description of the reef in moonlight or the feel of the honey-brown sand.
What type of conflict is represented by the encounter with the tiger shark?
External conflict—man vs. nature.
What traits make Jimmy Tom a dynamic character?
Jimmy shows courage, determination, and a willingness to take risks, evolving through the story.
How does the relationship between Jim Tom and Jimmy Tom reflect generational themes?
It shows the transfer of wisdom and the challenges of trusting younger generations.
What literary device is used to describe the manta ray as a “vast bat”?
Simile
How does the author use imagery to create tension during the manta ray encounter?
The ray is described as a "vast bat" with "black wings," and its sudden appearance breaks the serene moonlit setting.
How does Jim Tom’s backstory reflect man vs. self conflict?
Jim Tom wrestles with the loss of his son and his guilt, which affects his mentorship of Jimmy.
What does the tiger shark symbolize in the development of Jimmy’s character?
It represents the ultimate test of his bravery and survival skills.
What does the silk sponge symbolize in the story’s theme?
It symbolizes ambition and the rewards of perseverance.
How does dialogue contribute to the tension between Jim Tom and Jimmy Tom?
The dialogue shows Jim’s cautious nature clashing with Jimmy’s eagerness, building tension.
How does the setting symbolize the dangers and rewards of taking risks?
The reef’s beauty and hidden treasures reflect opportunities, while its lurking dangers like sharks represent the peril of ambition.
How does the conflict between Jimmy’s ambition and his grandfather’s caution drive the story?
Jimmy’s drive to prove himself clashes with Jim Tom’s fear for his safety, creating narrative tension.
How does Jim Tom’s paralysis contribute to his role in the story?
It highlights his experience and wisdom, as well as the physical limitations that force him to trust Jimmy.
How does the story address the balance between caution and risk-taking?
It demonstrates the need to balance ambition with awareness of potential consequences.
How does Scoville use foreshadowing in the story?
Jim Tom’s warnings about the reef and his story of his son’s death foreshadow the danger Jimmy faces.
Analyze how the setting shifts from day to night and contributes to the story's suspense.
The calm beauty of night contrasts with the vivid danger of the daytime dive, heightening the suspense.
What larger thematic conflict is suggested by the dangers of the reef?
The universal struggle between human ambition and the unpredictability of nature.
Compare and contrast Jim Tom’s and Jimmy Tom’s approaches to danger.
Jim Tom is cautious, shaped by past trauma, while Jimmy is ambitious and impulsive, eager to prove himself.
How does the story’s ending reinforce its message?
Jimmy’s survival and success underline the importance of courage and teamwork, tempered by wisdom.
Identify one example of symbolism in the story and explain its significance.
The reef symbolizes both opportunity and peril, reflecting life’s challenges and rewards.