Vocabulary
What does merciless mean?
Having or showing no pity.
Where does The Banana Tree take place?
Jamaica.
Who is the protagonist?
Gustus.
Question: What type of story is The Banana Tree?
An adventure story.
Why is Gustus willing to risk his safety during the hurricane?
Because the banana tree and its bananas are very important to him; he hopes to sell the bananas to buy shoes.
Which vocabulary word means a disastrous event?
Calamity.
What natural disaster threatens Gustus and his family?
A hurricane.
Who is Gustus's father?
Mr. Bass / Pappy.
What sport does Gustus enjoy?
Cricket.
What does Gustus’s decision to leave the shelter reveal about his character?
He is brave and determined, but he is also willing to take a dangerous risk for something important to him.
Which vocabulary word means violently stormy?
Tempestuous.
Why are the bananas especially important to Gustus?
He wants to sell them to buy shoes.
Name two traits that describe Gustus.
100
Question: Who is the main character?
Answer: Gustus.
Brave and determined.
Where does Gustus's family go for safety during the hurricane?
A community schoolroom/hurricane shelter.
How does the hurricane act almost like another character in the story?
It is personified as a powerful opponent that fights against Gustus.
Which word means interfered with or slowed the progress of?
Impeded.
Why does Gustus leave the hurricane shelter?
To save/protect his banana tree.
What is Gustus's main external conflict?
Gustus vs. the hurricane/nature.
How is the hurricane personified in the story?
It is described like a powerful opponent fighting Gustus.
Why is the conflict between Gustus and the hurricane important to his development?
Facing the hurricane tests his courage and determination and becomes part of his experience of growing up.
Which word means in a way that continues without stopping?
Relentlessly.
What happens to Gustus while he tries to protect the tree?
He is injured.
How does Mr. Bass change by the end of the story?
He understands and accepts his son better.
What does Gustus's decision to face the hurricane reveal about him?
He is brave, determined, and willing to take risks for something important to him.
How does the hurricane change the relationship between Gustus and Mr. Bass?
The experience helps Mr. Bass understand his son better and recognize what is important to Gustus.