"A Christmas Memory"

8/16/2010

Please read the story "A Christmas Memory" by Truman Capote.

Homework Questions: Answer the following questions using specifics from the story. Turn the answers in Monday, August 23rd in class.

1. Describe the setting of the story as described in the first paragraph.

2. What do we learn about Buddy's Friend in the first few paragraphs of the story?

3. The story describes the baby carriage as a "faithful object" what do you think this means? Give evidence from the story.

4. What do Buddy and his friend do to make sure that they do not have exactly $13.00?

5. Where did Mr. Haha Jones get his name?

6. Do you agree with Mr. Haha's reputation, why or why not?

7. "...my friend gently reflects: 'I doubt it. There's never two of anything.' " What do you think Buddy's friend means by this? Is there a deeper level of meaning?

8. What is this quote an example of? "..but the beginnings of dawn splash us like cold water..."

9. How does "life separate" the two friends?

10. Re-read the last paragraph, how does the author effectively use simile to describe the grief he feels?

Interactive Question: Answer this question here on the blog.

What was the most vivid part of this short story in your mind and why?

Be ready to discuss the story in class!!!

8 Comments

tdlola

8/16/2010 10:07:45 am

I liked the story. I think there was alot of detail sometimes when there shouldn't have been as much ,and shouldve been more some other times, but over all it was a good short story.

Mrs. G

8/16/2010 11:24:01 pm

Thanks tdlola for starting us off with a comment!!! I'm glad you liked the story, let us know what part specifically was most vivid in you mind as you read. Looking forward to hearing more of your thoughts!
Mrs. G

William

8/17/2010 07:35:14 am

Most vivid part of the story was when they went to buy the whiskey. It had good detail that actually contributed to the story instead of being just random details.

Abbey

8/17/2010 12:16:35 pm

I think the most vivid part in the story for me was when Buddy and his friend went to go buy whiskey and then they got to meet Mr. Haha. I thought it was humorous that the people called him that even though he didn't appear to be a happy person.

Katherine

8/19/2010 05:23:50 am

I think the most vivid part of the story was when Buddy and his friend got drunk on the whiskey and were dancing around and singing. When the angry relatives came in, I kind of pictured the room suddenly getting dark and the mood totally ruined. (:

Micah Lee

8/20/2010 03:59:54 am

The most vivid part of the story for me was at the very end. Buddy learns that her friend has died, and she gazes up into the sky looking for two stray kites soaring toward heaven. I imagine Buddy looking up at a clear blue sky with the wind being fresh and cool. :)

Mrs. G

8/20/2010 12:35:31 pm

These are excellent comments everyone! Thank you for being specific, and giving details from the text! I am looking forward to discussing the story more on Monday! ☺

jonah whaley

8/24/2010 03:30:16 am

If I were the dog I would be very depressed. First, he tryed to kill me, but then you feel kinda bad so you come back, then he has to go and die!!!!!!! Whats that all about!? I would hate to be the dog in that story.

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