Comprehension
Who does Melinda have a poster of in her Janitor's closet that she always occasionally looks at when she is feeling upset, scared, or worried?
Maya Angelou
Why does Melinda refer to Andy Evans by different nicknames (i.e. "IT", Beast)?
Melinda hates Andy so much and she cannot even allow herself to say his name. The different nicknames show that she does not value Andy as a person and considers him to be a scary predator.
What is the name of the group of women that Melinda chose to do a report on for Mr. Neck and what did they stand for? Why was this Allusion significant?
Suffragettes stood up and fought for women's rights. This allusion is significant because they acted as an example for Melinda to follow in order to make change in her own life. Melinda learned that like the suffragettes she must speak up if she ever wants to make a difference in her own life.
Why is the quote below significant? Explain.
"There is no point in looking for my ex-friends. Our clan, the Plain Janes, has been splintered and the pieces are being absorbed by rival factions."
Revelation of character: Shows Melinda is sad and lonely because all of her closest friends do not speak to her anymore.
Development of Plot: Introduces a conflict of the story which is that Melinda has no one to turn to and feels isolated.
Mood: Creates a sad mood as we can tell that Melinda feels totally alone.
What is the BEST possible theme for the text?
You must always speak up for yourself, even when it is scary or difficult, because if you do not speak up you will never be able to make change.
Who does Melinda receive a Valentines day card from and what does it say?
Heather. It thanks Melinda for being so understanding about them not being friends anymore.
What are some instances where we begin to see a change or growth in Melinda?
1. Asking her dad to buy her seeds to plant
2. Working on the garden
3. Putting in effort in gym against Nicole
4. Speaking up to Rachel
5. Writing on the bathroom walls about Andy being a bad guy
Why is Maya Angelou a significant Allusion?
Maya Angelou is another example of a woman who was sexually abused and became mute because of her rape. Angelou is inspirational to Melinda because she too had to find a way to express herself and she did so through the art form of poetry and writing. Melinda can use this as inspiration in her own life as she begins using art to express her emotions.
Why is this quote significant? Explain
"I get out of my bed and take down the mirror. I put it back in my closet, facing the wall."
Revelation of character: Shows Melinda has no self confidence and does not like to look at herself since her rape.
What does Melinda's bedroom symbolize?
Melinda's lack of identity as she does not know how to decorate her room or what she likes.
Who is the first person Melinda tells she was raped?
Rachel
What does Melinda write on the bathroom stall? How do other students react? How does this make her feel?
Melinda starts a thread in the bathroom by writing "Guys to Stay Away from: Andy Evans". Students respond by also adding how they feel about Andy and negative experiences they have had with Andy. This make Melinda feel happy and understood as now she knows other people also view him negatively.
Why is Picasso a significant allusion?
He is another example of a person who used art as a form of expression which can inspire Melinda to use art to express her pain.
Why is this quote significant? Explain
"This is where you can find your soul, if you dare. Where you can touch that part of you you've never dared look at before."
Revelation of character: It shows Mr. Freeman is an artistic and expressive person who may guide or help Melinda to find her voice.
Setting and Mood: The art room creates a mood of safety and happiness as it is described as a place where a person can discover themselves and express themselves if they try.
How does the "sick tree" symbolize Melinda?
Melinda is sick like the tree. In order for the tree to grow, the "sick" branches need to be cut off. In order for Melinda to grow, she must get rid of the negative memories of her rape and allow herself to move on. She must speak up about this difficult experience in order to grow and get better.
What clique did Heather belong to?
The Marthas
What is the consequence of Rachel speaking up in English class? What does this teach Melinda?
The whole class has to write a long report because Rachel speaks up about how she feels in English class. This teaches Melinda that sometimes there are negative consequences to speaking your mind.
What is an allusion & why are they used?
A reference in a text to a person, place, object, or idea in history, pop culture, religion, or another text. Allusions are used in a text to help readers better understand difficult concepts by relating them to a familiar idea.
Why is this quote significant? Explain.
"Her eyes meet mine for a second. "I hate you," [Rachel] mouths silently."
Revelation of character: Shows Rachel is cold and mean to Melinda causing her to have an even more difficult time in school.
Develops the plot: Gives a conflict for the story as it shows the reader how distant Melinda and her ex best friend now are, which is a source of pain for Melinda.
What does the changing mascot at Merryweather High school symbolize?
The changing mascot represents the lack of identity in the young people at Merryweather high school. Just like the school cannot decide which object would best represent them, Melinda cannot decide who she is as a person.
What subject does Mr. Freeman teach and how does Melinda feel about this class?
Art. Melinda loves this class as she enjoys art and immediately feels safe in the art room on the first day of class.
Name one character who has helped Melinda change as a character. Explain how they have helped Melinda change.
Heather
Rachel
David
Andy
***There are many more potential answers.
The frog symbolizes Melinda and her being helpless to save herself from the harm that occurs to her. The frog being pinned down to the table causes her to think about the night of the rape.
What are the 5 different ways a quote can be seen as significant?
1. Revelation of character
2. Development of theme
3. Development of plot (conflict, resolution, important event)
4. Literary device (symbolism, allusion, simile, metaphor)
5. Setting and/or mood
Create a theme around the motif of ART.
One Example: Art is a form of communication and expression that can help a person tell a story.
***Other themes can also work for this Motif.