The word cryptic comes from the Greek word kryptos, meaning “hidden.” Based on this information, what does cryptic mean as it is used in paragraph 2?
Question 2
2.
How does the first-person point of view affect readers’ understanding of Mitchell’s mother?
Question 3
3.
The word pathetic comes from the Greek word pathos, meaning “suffering” or “feeling.” Based on this information, what does pathetic mean as it is used in paragraph 3?
Question 4
4.
How does the setting of the baseball field contribute to Mitchell’s conflict in the story?
Question 5
5.
Based on paragraphs 19–20, what can the reader infer about Uncle Tommy?
Question 6
6.
Which sentence from the selection uses Mitchell’s point of view to reveal how his mother
is feeling?
Question 7
7.
What conflict does Mitchell struggle with through most of the story?
Question 8
8.
Read the sentence about the story.
It’s too bad Mitchell’s father wasn’t there to see him play that day.
How should the sentence be changed?
Question 9
9.
In which two ways does the hawk contribute to the plot?
Question 10
10.
What does Mitchell realize that leads to the story’s resolution?
Question 11
11.
How does Uncle Tommy influence the plot of this story? Support your answer with
evidence from the selection.
Question 12
12.
What methods does the author use to characterize Mitchell? Support your answer with evidence from the selection.