Interpretive Questions: Answer all questions in complete sentences, use quotes to support.
1.) Why does Trevor want to completely destroy Mr. Thomas' house? The boys want to destroy the house because of what it represents since Old Misery's house is the only one left standing in a long row of bombed out houses.
2.) If Trevor thinks the house is "beautiful," why does he wants to destroy it? (p. 166)
Trevor wants to destroy the house, because he is jealous of Mr. Thomas' beautiful house.
3.) Why does Trevor burn Mr. Thomas' savings instead of stealing them?
Trevor burns Mr Thomas' savings instead of stealing them because they're destroyers and it's their job to be destructive.
4.) Why does Trevor say "there'd be no fun" if he hated Mr. Thomas? (p. 174)
Trevor says this, because by him hating Mr. Thomas he would cause revenge, which would not be fun for either of them.
5.) When Mr. Thomas returns early, why does Trevor protest, "It isn't fair"? (p. 175)
Trevor protests when Mr. Thomas returns, because they were not able to finish destroying his house.
6.) Why does the gang work to destroy the house with "the seriousness of creators"? (p. 172)
The gang works to destroy the house with the seriousness of creators, because they were determined and they all planed on destroying every stone and brick.
7.) Why is Trevor able to get the gang to carry out his plan to destroy the house?
Trevor is able to get the gang to carry out his plan to destroy the house, by describing his plan and being very determined about it.
8.) Why are we told that "destruction after all is a form of creation"? (p. 172-173)
We are told that destruction is a form of creation, because destruction helps make space to build more things and create new ideas.
9.) What does the author mean when he says that Trevor had "a kind of imagination" that "had seen this house as it had now become"? (p. 173)
The author means that he had planned on destroying the house from the very begining.
10.) Why does an "odd exhilaration" seize the boys as they look down into the partially destroyed house? (p. 174)
The reason why an odd exhilaration seized the boys is, because for them it was a thrilling thing to do, which brought them exhilaration.
Vocabulary in Context:
1.) Ambiguously - p. 165
Quote: " Suppose we are? He said ambiguously."
Definition (based on context/in your own word): to have more than one interpretation
Synonym: debatable
Sentence (underline the vocabulary word): The disagreement was expressed ambiguously.
2.) Daunted - p. 168
Quote: "Blackie gave a single hoot of laughter and then, like Mike, fell quiet, daunted by the serious implacable."
Definition (based on context/in your own words): to intimidate
Synonym: discourage
Sentence (underline the vocabulary word): The teachers gave the students a task that left them feeling daunted.
3.) Altruistic - p. 169
Quote: "Driven by the pure, simple, and altruistic ambition of fame for the gang, Blackie came back to where T. stood in the shadow of Old Misery's wall.
Definition (based on context/in your own words): to be unselfish or to be concerned.
Synonym: selfless
Sentence (underline the vocabulary word): Not all celebrities are entirely Altruistic.
Quote: "By the time Mike returned they were on the top floor, and by six the superficial damage was completed.
Definition (based on context/in your own words): near the surface
Synonym: shallow
Sentence (underline the vocabulary word): The teacher had a superficial knowledge of the topic.
5.) Exhilaration - p. 174
Quote: "By the evening an odd exhilaration seized them as they looked down the great hollow of the house.
Definition (based on context/in your own words): cheerful and lively condition
Synonym: joyous
Sentence (underline the vocabulary word): The field trip was filled with exhilaration and excitement.
thinking map
• Trevor