SHORT STORY EXAM REVIEW8th Grade ELA

PART ONE: “CHARLES”

The narrator is Laurie’s mother (1st person POV)

• 1. Who is the narrator

2. What is the conflict?• The conflict is character vs. character (Laurie’s mom vs.

Charles)• Afraid that he is a bad influence on her son, Laurie

• The conflict is character vs. character (Laurie’s mom vs. Laurie)• Afraid that he will begin to act like Charles

3. How is Charles an institution in Laurie’s family? Give examples from the story.• Laurie’s sister (the baby) was crying all afternoon• Laurie was dragging his wagon full of mud in the kitchen• Laurie’s father pulled the telephone cord

What’s the resolution of the story?• Laurie’s mom realizes that Charles is actually her son,

Laurie.

What is the climax?• At the PTA meeting, the kindergarten teacher informs

Laurie’s mother that there is no Charles in the kindergarten.

Give an example of foreshadowing

•Type of character of Laurie •Major character•Static character

•Type of character of Laurie’s mom•Major character•Dynamic character•Narrator/Protagonist

Charles and Laurie each misbehaved. In the chart, list three misbehaviors that Laurie committed at home and that “Charles” committed in the classroom.

Laurie at home “Charles” in the classroom

1. Calling his father, “Hey pop, ya’ old dust mop!”

1. Throwing chalk

2. Pulling a wagon full of mud in the kitchen.

2. Being “fresh” to the teacher

3. Being rude as he walks in the house from school

3. Kicking the teacher’s friend

PART TWO:“THANK YOU, M’AM” BY: LANGSTON HUGHES

What is the conflict?• The conflict is character vs. character (Mrs. Jones vs.

Roger)• Roger is attempting to steal Mrs. Jones’s pocketbook but fails.

Character Traits…

Mrs. Jones

• Older• Wise• Experienced• Trusting• Nurturing• Caring

Roger

• Younger• Naïve• Troubled

Point of view selection• The point of view is 3rd person limited

• Roger is the person that we know the thoughts/feelings from

What is the theme of the selection?• Giving a person a second chance

• Roger was given a second chance from Mrs. Jones

• Seeing the bigger picture

What is the climax in the selection?• Roger wants to say something other than, “Thank You,

M’am” but cannot as he receives the money ($10) for his blue suede shoes.

How is Roger the dynamic character in the selection? Provide textual evidence.

• Roger is the dynamic character when he begins to change throughout the story.• He sits on the opposite side of the bed and away from the

pocketbook• Wants Mrs. Jones to trust him• He begins to feel remorse for what he has done

PART THREE:“RAYMOND’S RUN”BY: TONI CADE BAMBARA

What is the point of view?• The point of view is 1st person point of view

• Hazel Elizabeth Deborah Parker (Squeaky) is our narrator

How does Squeaky feel about taking care of Raymond?• She considers Raymond her “younger brother” but she

does not mind to take care of Raymond.

What is the resolution in the selection?

• As Squeaky wins, she has new plans to coach her brother, Raymond.

• Realizes that it is not about her but about her brother, Raymond.

What can you predict about Gretchen and Squeaky’s future?• Although Gretchen and Squeaky were rivals and did not

like each other in the beginning, they will probably become friends and coach together to train Raymond• They respect each other as athletes/runners

What are the conflict (s)?• The conflict is character vs. character

• Gretchen vs. Squeaky• These athletes are wanting to win the May Day race• Do not like one another

• Squeaky vs. Raymond• Raymond is the older brother but due to his disability, Squeaky has to

take care of her brother

What is the falling action of the selection?

• The announcer says the Squeaky has won the race and Gretchen was in second

• Gretchen and Squeaky acknowledge each other by smiling

• Begins thinking about coaching Raymond

Character traits of Squeaky• Athletic• Strong willed• Competitive/conceited• Hard working• Caring• Protective

What are some events of the rising action in this selection?• Squeaky and Raymond run into Gretchen and her side

kicks, Rosie and Mary Louise• The girls are trying to ask Raymond questions, and Squeaky

begins to get upset

• Squeaky recalls the Spelling Bee/Cynthia Proctor• Squeaky prepares for the May Day races• Mr. Pearson wants Squeaky to not win the race

• She gets upset by his response

• She is getting prepared for the race • Feels like she is in a dream

• The race begins!