Merchants of cool DQ's

1. Give two reasons why corporate America has targeted teenagers. They're the economy.
   
2. Why does Robert McChesney call teenagers “Africa”? They have an exotic culture.
   
3. What does Bob Bibb emphasize about teens and their parents?They dont spend enough time together.
   
4. How does Sharon Lee define “guilt money”? "Heres the credit card since we dont spend time together."
   
5. To what extent is a typical American teenager exposed to advertisements? Give examples. When they turn on the TV.
   
6. What does “cool hunting” mean? Why is it important for corporate America?
   
7. How do cool hunters work? What techniques do they use?
8. According to Douglas Rushkoff, “the paradox of “cool hunting” is that it kills what it finds.” Why? Once you know what "cool" is, its uncool.
   
9. Marketers know that kids do not like them. What strategy do they use to approach kids? They use other people.
   
10. What is the reason for Sprite’s success with teenagers? Sprite connected with hip hop.
    
11. What does “under-the-radar” marketing mean?They market their stuff without seeming like it.
    
12. Discuss the following statements: “Youth culture is not something that is just being sold to us. It is something that comes from us. It is an act of expression, not just an act of consumption.” How people arent what they buy.
    
13. Who are defined as the true merchants of cool? Mook.
    
14. According to Robert McChesney, what weapons do the merchants of cool use?
15. What does Robert McChesney draw our attention to about MTV?
16. What conclusion did MTV draw when their ratings slipped? They have to change with the teenagers.
    
17. What is special about MTV’s TRL show? It keeps people up to date with new music and artists.
    
18. MTV market researchers are involved in an “ethnography study”. What is it? What is the use of it?
19. What does MTV research indicate about teenagers as a result of their ethnographic study?
20. Comment on the following quote by Douglas Rushkoff : “They [MTV market researchers] don’t call it “human” research or “people” research, they call it “market” research.” They only think of the money.
    
21. According to Mark Crispin Miller, why is the MTV machine not interested in listening to the young?
22. Why do commercial culture providers like MTV not represent characters in depth for their audiences?
23. What does “professional wrestling” mean to today’s teenagers?
24. Why is Mark Crispin Miller quite concerned about gigantic transnational corporations and their TV shows?
25. What does “midriff” mean? Who is the midriff archetype? How might a midriff affect girls? Britney Spears.
    
26. What does the image of Britney Spears signify? Your body is your best asset.
    
27. What might a mook and a midriff have in common?
28. How is “family” represented in the TV series “7th Heaven”? What formula is used in this program? Innocence.
    
29. How are TV series such as “Beverly Hills 90210” and “Dawson’s Creek” kept “cool”? Drama and sex.
    
30. How do the makers of teen TV defend their programs?
31. Does the media really reflect the world of teens? How realistic is teen TV? Yes, its not realistic.
    
32. What is a “feedback loop”?
33. What could be the reason for the popularity of rage rock in the States? What do rage rock fans protest against?
34. How did a group like Limp Bizkitt become superstars? As a rage rock band, how authentic would you accept them? MTV spring break.
    
35. Discuss the following: Who creates youth cultures: the youth themselves or corporate America? Corporate America.
    

The Chocolate War 21-30

1. Why is it cool to be in the Vigils?
I dont think it would be cool to be a Vigil. But, in the book your cool if your a Vigil because you have power over people.





2. Obie obviously does not like Archie or being in the Vigils. Why does he stay?
He will be an outkast if he does and it gives him a sense of belonging.





3. Brother Leon says sales are down because of apathy. Is that true?
Yes.



4. Is trying to get the students to sell chocolates just a game? Why or why not?
Yes, it is causing the students to do something you want done so if you succeed it makes you feel like you have power.



5. Did Jerry become a symbol to other students?
Yes, he symbolized that you dont have to go along with what everyone else is doing.


6. Who or what gives the Vigils such power?
He students and fear gives the vigils power


7. Who or what in your life gives you the courage to stand up for yourself? Who do you wish encouraged you? Why?
My sense of being right gives me the courage to stand up for myself.


8. Carter punches Rollo when he talks back to Archie. Why does he do this?
To show that the vigils were in control


9. Is the quote, “All schools have animals” true?
Yes


10. How would the dynamics at Trinity change if it was a co-ed school?
There wouldnt be as much violence there


11. Why do people get caught up in a herd mentality?
People think they need to fit in with everyone and so they do what everyone else is doing.


12. “Funny – someone does violence to you but you’re the one who has to hide, as if you’re the criminal.” Explain this quote. Is this true in real life? Give examples.
Yes, if you get beat up in school you have to hide from everyone because they pick on you



13. What is the difference between a spirit of brotherhood and what the boys at Trinity have?
The boys at Trinity think they have spirit of a brotherhood but they have the spirit of a huge group of bullies that try to outsmart everyone else.

14. Did Jerry have to go to the field to fight?
No.





15. What would you have done in Jerry’s situation?
Faught him.





16. To what lengths would you go to stand up for something?
As far as I needed.





17. Silence = consent. What does that mean?
Its not true. Just because the answer isnt said doesnt mean the answer is yes.





18. How does the ending feel to you?
It left me hanging. I could tell there would be another book.





19. Does this story leave the reader with any hope at all? Explain.
No, it was disappointing.





20. If you had to predict what happened next (after the ending of the story), what would you say happens?
Jerry stays away from them at school.

The Chocolate War DQ's 11-20

1. In your opinion, should Jerry have said no to selling the chocolates?
No.

2. Where does school spirit begin and end? Where do you draw the line? Think about the kinds of things that happen between BHS and GA during football season.
I draw the line at vandalism, School spirit is about painting your face your school colors and cheering on your team at the football games. I dont think you should destroy your apponents school.

3. Should you make sacrifices for your school? Talk about an experience you have had with fundraising at school. What was it like?
It depends on what kind of sacrifices they were talking about. I did a funraiser one time because I thought it would be fun and once I started doing it and nobody wanted to buy anything it became very boring and I didnt want to do it anymore.

4. What makes Brother Leon a bully? Give examples. Where does he cross the line?
He uses psychological warfare against his students to show them that he has power, like when he slapped the kid in the face with the pointer. He crosses the line at that point.

5. Do you think the world is made up of either “victims or victimizers?” Explain.
Yes, because at least once in everybody's life they have had someone attack them verbally or physically or they have attacked someone verbally or physically.

6. How does Brother Leon bribe David Caroni? Would someone else be able to bribe you with a grade?
He told him he would give him a good grade. No, I would not let someone bribe me with a grade.

7. Why does Jerry refuse to sell the chocolates after the assignment is over?
He said he just doesnt feel like selling them.

8. Jerry feels sick every morning because he has to face Leon. What physical symptoms of stress have you experienced in stressful situations?
My stomach would start to hurt and I would get a big lump in my throat.

9. Should the other Brothers do something about the Vigils? If the Vigils existed here at GA, would you want teachers to do something about it? Explain.
I think they should do something about it. If they existed at GA, I would want the teachers to do something about it if they were taking over the school like they do in the story.

10. Does bully happen at GA? Is anything done about it? Why or why not?
People do get bullied at GA. Most of the time nothing is done about it because nobody will say anything.

200 word blog response

To me "Dare I disturb the universe" relates to Jerry the most. Jerry is a rebellious character in the story. He disturbs the universe by changing the way things are done and changing the trend of Trinity. He does rebellious things that no one else would do. Like, for example, he refused to sell the chocolates, just because he does not feel like selling them. I think Jerry is an arrogant selfish ignorant individual. He goes against what would normally be done. He started a trend at Trinity that I think would definitely changed the school for the worst. He is disturbing Trinity which relates to T.S. Elliot's quote "Dare I disturb the universe".

KMG Cartoon

The Chocolate War DQ's Ch. 1-10

1. What affect did the first sentence have on you? Why did the author use it?(ask this question again after reading the whole book)
The first sentence gave me a kind of feeling that the book would be a really good mysterious book. The author probably used it to get the attention of the reader.

2. Do you feel you have to stay on the good side of anyone in your life? Why?
I feel that I have to stay on my daddy's good side, because I have seen him get mad and im pretty sure I dont want that side of him to be directed to me.

3. What would you do/how would you feel if you found out someone was keeping private information about you? ( like Obie's notebook)
If someone was keeping private information about me, I would be very mad. I would probably take it from them.

4. Why is the man at the bus stop contemptuous of Jerry? What does he mean when he tells him he's "missing a lot in the world"?
He feels that Jerry is wasting his time with school and he is just conforming to the norm by going to school and doing good. He could possibly even be jealous that he didnt stay in school himself and he is trying to pick on Jerry to make himself feel better.


5.Who is Brother Leon?
Brother Leon is the assistant headmaster of Trinity. He is becoming the head of the school though because of the headmaster becoming ill. He is also a teacher.

6.Why does everyone in the school ignore the Vigils?
Everyone is afraid of the Vigils so they all ignore them.

7. Why does Goober have to comply with the assignment? What would you do?
He has to comply because if he doesnt he could get beat up. I would do it because it would be funny.

8. What kind of a teacher is Brother Leon? Have you ever seen a teacher pick on a student? Have you ever been picked on by a teacher? What did the rest of the class do?
Brother Leon is a teacher that likes to let the students know he controls them. I have seen a teacher pick on a student. A teacher has picked on me about my boyfriend before, and she said that all the girls would try to steal him from me. All the students told her she was wrong for saying that to me.

9. Do you know anyone with any of Emile's characteristics?
Yes, I do know someone with his characteristics, the boy is a complete jackass and hardly anyone likes him, because he can never be nice to anyone.

10. Why do they choose to pick on Brother Eugene?
Because he was an easy target, he's not strict at all. He's shy.

11. Jerry feels like he can't talk to his father. How could he remedy the situation? Do you ever feel that way? How could you remedy the situation?
He could tell his father he feels that he can't talk to him and that he doesnt like it or he could try planning something with his dad so they can spend more time together.

12. What have you had to sell for school fundraisers? Have you felt any pressure to sell?
I had to sell candy and candles before. I didnt really feel any pressure. I sold all of the product rather quickly.

KMG DQ's Ch. 13-19

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

1. What surprises Mrs. McConnell about Mrs. Griffin’s visit?
She sais Susan was the last person to see Mr. Griffin.

2. How does Mrs. Griffin surprise Susan?
She didnt know Mr. Griffin's feelings for her.

3. Mrs. Griffin is certain Susan is lying about her teacher conference with Mr. Griffin. List
her reasons.
What Susan was saying wasnt making sense, and Mr. Griffin's watch was in the shop.

4. How do Susan’s parents react when Mrs. Griffin accuses her of lying?
They took up for Susan.

5. What does Mrs. Griffin know about David? Mark?
She knew Lana stole the term paper for Mark and About David's assignment getting blown away by the wind.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

1. Why does David’s Grandmother believe he is secretly seeing his Daddy? What proof do
you think she has?
David is never home and she found Mr. Griffin's ring and thought it was her son's.

2. Lana tells Lt. Baca about the turned-up ground and gives him the prescription bottle.
What else does she say to expose the kidnappers?
She said No one else knew except her friend Mark.

3. What new plans do they make for the car?
They want to re paint it and travel in it.

4. Why does Mark think the news report is false?
He said no one else knew about it and he thought the ring was still there. He didnt know David took it.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

1. Why does David take the ring?
It reminded him of his dad.

2. The blowing wind may be a symbol of freedom in this novel. Explain its possible
importance in the following events:

David and Susan’s first meeting
Without the wind blowin his papers, he wouldnt have met Susan.

the picnic by the waterfall

the inscription on the ring

3. Why does the lady from the other house smile through the window at Susan?
The beds werent made.

4. What is Susan’s opinion of David’s grandmother?
She thinks she wont give the ring back to David.

5. Why does Susan call Jeff’s house?
She wanted to tell Mark about David's grandma having the ring.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

1. In what ways do we see that the Garrett’s do not see their son Jeff as a real person?
They dont see flaws in him. They think he is "perfect".

2. Mystery stories rely on inference, the act of drawing a conclusion that is not actually
stated. Using inference, what information will Mrs. Griffin learn from the newspaper?
The Lana connection.

3. Why does David’s grandmother refuse to attend church?
The preacher said If you dont take care of earthly responsibilities you wont go to heaven.

4. Explain what David’s grandmother means in the following quotation. “The winds of
freedom are filled with laughter.”
She thinks her son left because David's mom was a bore.

5. What clue in the story reveals the identity of Irma Ruggle’s visitor?
Brown sweater and funny looking eyes.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

1. Why do Betsy and Jeff stop by to see Susan?
Betsy needed an alibi.

2. What is surprising about David’s grandmother’s death?
The neighbor said someone was with his grandma.

3. Do you think Betsy and Jeff believe Mark has killed the old woman?
Yes, they just dont want to tell him because they are scared of him.

4. The first paragraph of the chapter discusses the wind. Why do you suppose the author
writes about the wind blowing again at this point in the story?
The truth will be out and Susan can go on with her life.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

1. What are the implications of Susan’s statement “I did that” on page 208?
She told Mark about the ring. She feels guilt for Mrs. Ruggles death.

2. What is Jeff worried about?
She doesnt want to drive Mr. Griffin's car.

3. Why doesn’t Mark gag Susan?
No one will hear her.

4. How does Mark feel after he sets the fire?
He feels calm and serene.

5. How does Susan feel about Mark?
She said she loves him and hates him at the same time.

6. Why does Susan scream, “I’m going to die, You’re glad, aren’t you?”
Because she knows she helped kill her husband.

7. How does Mrs. Griffin respond?
Mrs. Griffin said of course not, why would I want that?

CHAPTER NINETEEN

1. Mrs. McConnell tells Susan, “It is only by facing things that you ever put them behind
you.” What do you think is good or bad about this advice?
Its good because people go insane from not letting their thoughts out.

2. How does Mrs. Griffin recognize the car?
It was dark and she knew what the interior looked like.

3. Why is the whole family going to counseling?
To make things better with all of them.

4. Do you think the proposed penalties are fair? Explain.
Yes, each of them deserved what they got.

5. How does the last verse in Susan’s, “Song for Ophelia,” explain why she becomes involved
with Mark and the others?
She was vulnerable because she was rejected so many times and she wanted to fit in.

6. What may the reader infer from the last paragraph?
She has accepted her part in the responsibility.

7. “Coming-of-Age” stories are usually about “Loss of Innocence” or “Rite of Passage.” State
what kind of story this is and why.
Both. Susan used to be good and she is more mature now because she learned "fitting in" isnt important.

150 word blog response 3

I opened my car door, jumped inside slamming the door and I froze as I looked in my rear view mirror seeing the body just laying there. I didn't know whether to get out and see if he was okay, or if I should leave? For a minute, I just sat there, thinking of what could go wrong or right. I could get out the car and try to help him, but what if he tries to harm me in some kind of way? Or maybe, I could get out of the car and and help him and get a reward like money or something nice like that. So, I decided to get out and check on him. While I was getting out of the car, I could tell he was still breathing, which was definitely good. I rolled him over to find blood everywhere. I tried to get him to talk to me, but he wouldnt respond. I layed him in the back of the car and rushed to the hospital. When we got there, the nurses rushed him to a room to get immediate surgery. About an hour later, the doctor came out to the waiting room and told me all about the guy and what happened to him. The doctor said if it wouldnt have been for me, the guy wouldnt have made it. Then he handed me a check for $1,000,000. He told me, it was all mine for being such a great citizen. :) :) :) :)

150 word blog response 2

If I was in lunch and someone dropped a five dollar bill, I would probably pick it up and give it to them. It actually depends on who dropped it. If I know who dropped it and I am friends with them, I would probably give it back to them, just to be nice. But, if I didnt know them or if I didnt get along with them, I would just keep it. Because, it takes alot for me to not like someone, so im sure they would deserve to lose five dollars. If I knew that the person needed more than I did, whether I liked the person or not, I would definitely return it to them. I know what its like to lose money, or to have something stolen and not returned and I really dont like it, so I dont understand why anyone else would. So, yes, I would return it, unless I thought that they really didnt deserve to get it back.

The Black Cat DQ's

1. Discuss the significance of the following quote: "There is something unselfish and self-sacrificing love of the brute, which goes directly to the heart of him who has had frequent occasion to test the paltry friendship and gossamer fidelity of man.
It means "Dog is a man's best friend.


2.What is the significance of the cat's name, Pluto?
Pluto was the Greek god of the underworld.


3.Why did the narrator initially restrain himself from maltreating the cat while maltreating other animals?
He had a special affection for Pluto.


4. Why does he eventually mistreat the cat?
He couldnt deal with the fact that the cat loved him.

5. Describe the narrator's feelings after abusing the cat. Why is that significant?
He doesnt feel that bad about it because it showed how sick it was.


6.How does the narrator define "perverseness"? Do you agree with his definition? Do you agree that it is human nature?
despicable by god. "lord of the flies" yes, yes in a way it is human nature.


7. Discuss the significance of the following quote: “[I] hung it because I knew that it had loved me, and because I felt it had given me no reason of offense; because I knew that in doing so I was committing a sin.
He wanted to be evil. He wanted the cat to suffer because it loved him.

Killing Mr. Griffin DQ's Ch. 10-12

CHAPTER TEN

1. How do Mark’s aunt and uncle feel about him?
His aunt thinks he weird, and his uncle says he just different.


2. Why do you suppose Mark’s mother has a nervous breakdown and says she never wants
to see her son again?
He's the one that caught the house on fire.


3. What does David’s grandmother remember about the day before that upsets David?
She remembers him not eating Jell-O.


4. In the conversation with his grandmother, what mistakes does David make that may hurt
his alibi?
He's talking about not poisoning the Jell-O.


5. Why does Lt. Baca ask Mrs. Griffin if there is trouble in their marriage?
To see if Brian had any reason to leave her.


6. What does Mrs. Griffin say that convinces Lt. Baca to begin searching for Brian?

CHAPTER ELEVEN

1. Why isn’t Susan surprised to hear her name over the loudspeaker?
Sge was the last person to see Mr. Griffin.

2. Compare Susan’s attitude toward her family at the beginning of the story with her attitude
now.
She is wanting to be with her family more now.


3. Why does Susan agree to Mark’s lie?
So that the cops wont look at them.

4. Why does Mark want her to lie?
So they wont get caught.

5. Do you think Mark really believes everything will be all right? Why?
No, he thinks Susan is gonna blow it because she is nervous. He says "Christ" as she enters the room.

CHAPTER TWELVE

1. What is the real reason Betsy says nasty things about Susan?
She is jealous that Mark was holding Susan.

2. Find an example of allusion in this chapter.
Its a reference to Hamlet, Jeff says he is starting to feel like one of the grave diggers from Hamlet.

3. Briefly describe Mark’s mood during the burial. Jeff? David? Betsy?
Mark is excited and happy. Jeff is kind of annoyed, he just wants it to be over. David is ready for it to be over and he wants to feel the life of Mr. Griffin. Betsy is jealous of Susan and she is nervous.

4. Why does David recite the Lord’s prayer?
He feels guilty and wants to honor Mr. Griffin's "funeral".

5. Why does Mark keep Mr. Griffin’s credit cards?
To send them to a friend to lead the cops to Colorado.

6. Why does Mark tell them to leave the car unlocked with the keys in the ignition?
So someone might might steal it.

7. What mistakes do the four make burying Mr. Griffin?
It was not deep enough.

8. What is the implied but not stated reason that the policeman recognizes Betsy at the
airport?
It was the cop that pulled over Betsy earlier.

Killing Mr. Griffin DQ's Ch.6-9

CHAPTER SIX

1. What little things go wrong with the kidnapping?
He dies.

With David’s alibi?
His grandma took to long to fall asleep.

With Betsy’s alibi?
The cop pulled her over so she didnt get there on time.

2. In what way does Mr. Griffin earn the respect of his kidnappers?
By staying strong.

3. Why is Susan especially upset about her part in the kidnapping?
He was looking out for her.

4. Why does Betsy say the following to Susan? “Honestly, I don’t understand you.”
She didnt want to go to the mountains.

CHAPTER SEVEN
1. What do Mr. Griffin and Mark have in common?
They are the only ones Betsy cant persuade with her "cuteness".

2. Find a flashback in this chapter. What important facts about Mark do we learn?
Mark got Lana to steal a paper for him to get a good grade and she got caught.

3. What mistake(s) does Betsy make with the police officer?
"Big wig"

4. Why do you think Betsy participates in the kidnapping?


5. Why do you suppose the incident with Shauna Berman is included?
Shows how vindictive and cruel Betsy is.

6. Who finds the container of pills? Where?
Betsy; They were on the ground.

7. How does Mr. Griffin’s tie appear here?
In place.

8. What does Mr. Griffin think of his kidnappers?
They are five years old.

9. What question does David ask him?
About his ring.

10. Who wants to let Mr. Griffin go? Why don’t they?
David. He got out voted.

CHAPTER EIGHT

1. Explain, with examples from the story, how David begins to see Susan as a real person.
When they are driving and he feels like they are alone.

2. Why does David doubt that Mark and Jeff are going to release Mr. Griffin after the game?
He thinks they will want to go eat.

3. How does David know Mr. Griffin is dead?
Open eyes and no breathing.

4. What is the implied but never stated cause of Mr. Griffin’s death?
How he died.

CHAPTER NINE

1. Betsy and Susan both have fathers to turn to for help. Why do you suppose Susan wants
to go to her father for help, but Betsy doesn’t suggest going to her father?
Susan's family is closer than Betsy's.


2. What two things does Mark say that they need to do to be safe?
Hide the body and the car and keep their alibis.

3. How does Mark convince Susan they need to bury the body?
No one would believe them so they would go to jail.

4. How does Mark’s father die?
Their house burnt down.

5. What does David’s father have to do with his decision to go along with Mark’s plan to bury the body?
His father disappeared so, so could Mr. Griffin.

6. Why does Mark comfort Susan?
So she wouldnt turn them in.

Killing Mr. Griffin DQ's. Ch. 1-5

Killing Mr. Griffin Study Guide 1

CHAPTER ONE
1. Briefly identify the children in the McConnell family.
Craig(12 years old); Twins(7 years old); Susan, Mom, Dad.


2. What does Susan mean by “someday”?
A fantasy of a different life.


3. Who is David Ruggles? How does Susan feel about him?
President of the Senior class. Susan likes him.


4. Several other students of Room 117 are introduced. Briefly identify them.

Mark(Crazy, Sly, Mischievous); Jeff(Athlete); Betsy(cheerleader).

5. In the classroom scene, what emphasizes Susan’s feelings of being an outsider?
Shes tries to be ignored. She doesnt want others to notice her, because she doesnt fit in like the rest of the class.


6. Two teachers are introduced. Briefly identify them.
Mr. Griffin(Strict); Dolly Luna(Air head)


7. Mr. Griffin is very strict and stern with the students. Do you think these qualities make
him a good teacher? Briefly explain your answer.
No, its good to have some rules, but there is no sense in someone being that way towards people for no reason.


8. An allusion is when a writer refers to a person, place, poem, book, or movie that the
reader, is expected to recognize. Find an example of allusion in this chapter.
Hamlet. Songs of Ophelia.


9. In what ways does Susan think she and the dying female in Hamlet are similar?
She feels like shes drowning because her brothers are good looking and she is not.


10. A metaphor is a comparison of two things that are basically unlike, in order to create a
sharp picture. In this first chapter find the metaphor involving a bird that helps the author
define how Susan is feeling about her life.
The bird smacks the window and is almost suspended in air.


11. Jeff says, “That Griffin’s the sort of guy you’d like to kill.” Why doesn’t Susan think he is serious?
No one really seriously thinks about killing people.


12. Frequently, objects which seem inconsequential when first mentioned become an
important part of the plot later. In the last six paragraphs do you notice any object that might be foreshadowed?
The pills. "Griffins the kinda guy you'd like to kill."


CHAPTER TWO
1. Why does Mark say the following? “Jeff’s done a neat job of lining us up for a mass flunkout.”
Griffin is out to fail everyone.


2. Explain Mark’s special dislike of Mr. Griffin.
Mr. Griffin made him repeat the class.


3. “Jeff had seen that look before, and it always meant something.” What look does Jeff see? What does Jeff think it means?
Gleam in his eyes, looks like he wants to do something to someone.


4. Why do Jeff and Betsy go along with Mark’s plan to kidnap Mr. Griffin?
They think its not serious, like with Dolly Luna.


5. Why does Mark believe Dave will go along with the plan?
He has nothing to lose and needs a passing grade to go to college.


6. What does Mark know about Susan that makes him think she will be their decoy?
She likes Dave.


7. A flashback is a scene that interrupts the ongoing action to show an event that happens
earlier. Briefly describe the flashback in this chapter. Explain why the author chooses to
include it.
When mark set a cat on fire. It includes insight for mark's character.



CHAPTER THREE
1. The members of David’s family are introduced. Briefly identify them.
Mrs. Ruggles-David's Grandma(invalid), His mother works as a secretary to support them. His dad left when he was young.


2. Why does David think he needs a good education?
To support his family.


3. Find the metaphor in this chapter that helps illustrate the emptiness of David’s life.
Sterile, dark, lonely.


4. Support or refute the following statement:
David goes along with Mark because he dislikes Mr. Griffin and needs a better English
grade to get into law school.
Support. He needs to support his family.


CHAPTER FOUR
1. Why are Saturday’s special for Susan?
No one wakes her up so she doesnt have to be around her family.




2. Find a quotation in the chapter that illustrates the idea that Susan feels a part of the picnic group?
"that suddenly and easily she felt like she was one of them."

3. Who is Lana?
Mark's ex-girlfriend.


4. How does Susan feel about Mark before the picnic?
She is scared of him.


5. A symbol is an object, person, or place that has a meaning in itself and that also stands
for something larger than itself. How may the eyeglasses be a symbol in this chapter?
She took her glasses offm so she wasnt seeing clearly during the plan.


6. Foreshadowing is also used to create interest and build suspense. Since this is a mystery
story, there are many examples of foreshadowing. Find an example of foreshadowing in
this chapter that lets the reader know Susan is going to have problems.
Thats the happiest she will ever be.

CHAPTER FIVE
1. How does the author illustrate Kathy Griffin’s stubborn personality?
She wants to cook while she is pregnant.


2. Briefly explain Mr. Griffin’s reason for leaving Stanford to teach high school.
College freshman had a hard time writing.


3. What does Mr. Griffin think about Susan?
He likes her but thinks she is lazy.


4. Why is Kathy Griffin upset by her husband’s description of Dolly?
Kathy didnt do good in school and he was picking on Dolly and Kathy thinks he will do the same to her.


5. How does her husband make her feel better?
He tells her he loves her and she is real.


6. Why does Mrs. Griffin want Brian to compliment Susan on her writing?
Susan needs complments too instead od just critisism.


7. Find an example of foreshadowing in this chapter.
The kiss felt like a goodbye.


8. Why do you suppose the pills are mentioned again? Why does the author bother
mentioning his tie?
To emphasize the need for the pills. The tie is a symbol for his dignity.


9. We learn that Mrs. Griffin is pregnant. How does she hope having a child will change her husband? Why might the author have added the pregnancy into the story.
She thinks it will soften him up.

Black Cat Vocabulary

1. Solicit(v)-to seek for (something) by earnest or respectful request, formal application, etc.; Synonym/Antonyms-Request, Reject. Sentence-The press solicited for answers from the president about the attack.

2.Mad(Adj)-mentally disturbed; deranged; insane; demented. Synonym/Antonym-Mentally ill, crazy, sane. Sentence- The man became mad and had to go to a mental institute.

3.Succinct(adj)-Expressed in few words; concise; terse. Synonyms/Antonyms-Short, shy. Sentence- The new girl was very succinct when we tried talking to her.

4.Phantasm(noun)-An illusory likeness of something. Synonyms/Antonyms-Not really, exactly. Sentence-The sky was a phantasm.

5. Docile(Adj)-Easily managed or handled. Synonyms/Antonyms-Simple, difficult. Sentence- The new position opening is very docile, anybody can do it.

6.Disposition(n)-The predominant or prevailing tendency of one's spirits; natural mental and emotional outlooks or mood; Characteristic attitude. Synonym/Antonym-Opinionated. Sentence-The disposition of the girl was very negative.

7.Sagacious(Adj.)- Having or showing keen discernment. Synonyms/Antonyms-Sympathetic, Not caring. Sentence- My friend was very sagacious today.

8.Paltry(Adj.)- Lacking in importance or worth. Synonyms/Antonyms- Trivial, Cherished. Sentence- The pencil was very paltry.

9.Gossamer(N)-Something delicate. Synonyms/Antonyms-Fragile, Indestructable. Sentence- Her heart was a gossamer.

10. Fidelity(N)-Faithfulness to obligations. Synonyms/Antonyms- Loyal, Un-trustworthy. Sentence-The girl was a great fidelity at work.

11. Procure(V)-To get by special effort. Synonyms/Antonyms-Obtain, Dismiss. Sentence-The thief procured money from the bank.

12. Allusion(N)-The act of alluding. Synonyms/Antonyms-Indirect reference, direct. Sentence-"stay Gold" was an allusion of The Outsiders.

13.Intemperance(Noun)-Excessive use of alcoholic beverages. Synonyms/Antonyms-Alcoholic, Sober. Sentence-The drunken women was an intemperance.

14. maltreat(Verb)-To treat in a rough or cruel way; abuse. Synonyms/Antonyms-Badly treated, respectfully treated.

15. Scruple(Noun)-A moral or ethical consideration or standard that acts as a restraining force. Synonyms/Antonyms-Conscience, Anarchy. Sentence- In The Lord of the Flies, The kids have no scruples.

16. Malevolence(Noun)-Ill will; Malice; Hatred. Synonyms/Antonyms-Dislike, Like. Sentence- The fat kid was treated with malevolence.

17. Atrocity(Noun)- The quality of being extremely or shockingly wicked, cruel, or brutal. Synonyms/Antonyms-Evil, Innocent. Sentence- How wicked the man was, was an atrocity.

18. Debauch(Noun)-A period of want on self-indulgence, an excessive party which includes comsumption of alcohol. Synonyms/Antonyms- Binge, Soberness. Sentence- The drunken man was in a debauch.

19. Sentiment(Noun)-A mental feeling; emotion. Synonyms/Antonyms-Sincere, Rude. Sentence-The vase had a lot of sentimental value to the young girl.

20. Remorse(Noun)-Deep and painful regret of wrong doing. Synonyms/Antonyms-Guilty-conscience, Innocent. Sentence-The girl was full of great remorse after she cheated on her boyfriend.

150 word blog response 1

Everybody has their own opinion, but I think the nature of humankind is basically evil, because the things and decisions people choose each and everyday that affects their lives and the lives of others. I think there are more evil people in this world than good. To me, evil is the way people act after they change the things they do, People who come from a troubled childhood can become evil people very easily. If a child starts killing animals at a young age, they can become mentally ill. People who are cruel to other people or even animals are considered evil people. People can become evil over time due to the people and things they surround themselves with. I dont think people are born evil or good, it is a thing that progressive over time. Peer pressure can cause people to be good or evil. People influence others to be like them.