Characters
What is the main character's full name?
Holling Hoodhood
In what state does the story take place?
New York
Why does Holling believe Mrs. Baker hates him?
He is the only student who stays on Wednesdays.
Finish the quote: “Mrs. Baker would probably use the chance to ___.”
Destroy him (or show how much she “hated” him).
Cause: Everyone else goes to Catholic or Jewish school on Wednesdays.
Effect: ??
Holling stays alone with Mrs. Baker.
What is the name of Holling’s teacher, who he thinks hates him?
Mrs. Baker
What grade is Holling in?
7th grade
What chore does Mrs. Baker give Holling at first during Wednesday time?
Cleaning the classroom (especially chalk dust and erasers)
In Shakespeare, Caliban is described in many ways. How is Holling compared to Caliban?
As someone forced to do tasks and treated unfairly.
Cause: Holling accidentally gets chalk dust on the cream puffs.
Effect: ??
The class gets angry / Holling has to buy new cream puffs.
What religion is Holling’s family? (This matters because everyone else goes to religious school on Wednesdays.)
Presbyterian
What day of the week does Holling have to stay with Mrs. Baker alone?
Wednesday
What book does Mrs. Baker eventually have Holling read?
Shakespeare (specifically The Tempest at first)
Why is the phrase “the Perfect House” repeated when describing Holling’s home life?
To show the pressure to appear perfect for business reputation.
Cause: Holling practices for the play.
Effect: ??
He has to wear the yellow tights with feathers.
What is the name of Holling’s father’s architecture company?
Hoodhood and Associates
Name the time period in which the book is set. (Hint: Vietnam War era)
Late 1960s
What embarrassing thing happens to Holling’s lunch when he opens the cream puff box?
Chalk dust gets all over them
What emotion does Holling feel when he realizes Mrs. Baker may not actually hate him?
Confusion or surprise
Cause: Mrs. Baker’s husband is deployed in Vietnam. Effect: ??
She worries about him and listens to war news.
What character always talks about “the perfect family image”?
Holling's father
Name one event/news topic happening in the background of the story.
Vietnam War, protests, and Civil Rights Movements
What special performance does Holling end up being part of in Chapter 3?
The Tempest play, wearing yellow tights with feathers on the backside
Why does Holling think Mrs. Baker is secretly testing him with Shakespeare?
To prove something about his character or to challenge him.
Cause: Holling reads Shakespeare more deeply.
Effect: ??
He starts to see meaning and enjoy the plays.