A Child Called 'It' Chapters 3 & 4 Quiz

Questions and Answers

How does Dave's relationship with his mother change?

From discipline to punishment.

How does Dave find out if he can come out of his room and play?

His brothers have to ask his mother.

What does Dave's mother do while their father is away at work?

Lays on the couch and watches TV.

What form of punishment does Dave's mother use when she decides sitting in the corner is no longer effective?

The mirror treatment. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dave's mother make him and his brothers do for hours at a time?

Look for something she lost. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Dave when he forgets what his mother sent him to do?

She smacks him and gives him a bloody nose. Signup and view all the answers

Who becomes Dave's protector?

His dad. Signup and view all the answers

What do Dave's parents do from 3 p.m. until bedtime when his father is not working?

Drink. Signup and view all the answers

Where does Dave's mother make him sleep on the night of the chair incident?

Top bunk. Signup and view all the answers

After the chair incident, what does Dave's mother tell the doctor and his father?

He rolled out of the bed. Signup and view all the answers

How does Dave feel about school in chapter 3?

It is his safe haven. Signup and view all the answers

How does Dave do with his school work in chapter 3?

He gets 'happy faces'. Signup and view all the answers

When Dave gets home from school one day, what does his mother tell him?

He is getting held back because he is a bad boy. Signup and view all the answers

What new punishment does Dave's mother invent for him?

No TV ever again. Signup and view all the answers

Where does Dave go while the rest of the family goes camping?

Aunt Josie's. Signup and view all the answers

How does Dave feel when he is not allowed to go camping?

Like an outcast. Signup and view all the answers

What is Dave's punishment after the camping trip is over?

Not allowed to speak unless spoken to. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Dave's best friend when he repeats first grade?

Stan. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dave's father do when his mother decides that Santa will not be coming to Dave?

He gets him 2 painting kits. Signup and view all the answers

How does Dave's mother treat the kids that come up for cub scouts?

Like kings. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Dave's mother burn his arm on the gas stove?

He was playing on the grass. Signup and view all the answers

How does Dave save himself from being forced to lie across the stove?

Stalled for time. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dave decide to do when he realizes that he finally beat his mother?

He will never give her the satisfaction of hearing him beg her to stop beating him. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dave say when people at school ask him the cause of his bruises?

The reasons his mother has brainwashed into him. Signup and view all the answers

Once school starts again, what is Dave's mother feeding him?

Leftover cereal on a good day, but usually nothing. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dave fantasize about as he lays in bed?

A cheeseburger with all the fixings. Signup and view all the answers

How does Dave manage to steal food from his classmates?

Gets to school early and rummages through their lunch boxes. Signup and view all the answers

What is Dave's mother's reaction when she finds out he has been stealing food from school?

More beatings and no food on the weekends. Signup and view all the answers

How does Dave's mother refer to him?

The boy. Signup and view all the answers

Where does Dave go when he finishes his chores after school?

The basement. Signup and view all the answers

What is Dave's father's reaction to Dave's punishments?

He's against it. Signup and view all the answers

What are most of Dave's parents' arguments about?

Him. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dave's father eventually do when he keeps losing the arguments with his wife?

Packs an overnight bag and leaves for work. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dave's teacher, Miss Moses, begin to question him about?

His attentiveness and bruises. Signup and view all the answers

What was Dave's mother's reaction when he gets a call from the school regarding Dave's condition?

She was furious and more violent than ever. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dave's mother tell the principal?

Dave does this stuff to himself. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Relationship Dynamics

Dave's relationship with his mother shifts from discipline to severe punishment.
His father becomes a protector in contrast to his mother's abusive behavior.

Family Life and Punishments

While their father is at work, Dave's mother remains inactive, laying on the couch and watching TV.
The mirror treatment is introduced by Dave's mother when traditional punishments no longer seem effective.

Daily Life and School

Dave finds solace in school, referring to it as his safe haven, and performs well academically with "happy faces."
His mother communicates harsh critiques, telling him he is being held back due to being a "bad boy."

Isolation from Family Activities

Dave is excluded from family camping trips, spending that time at his Aunt Josie's, leading to feelings of being an outcast.
A new punishment restricts Dave's speech to only when spoken to, reinforcing his isolation.

Support System and Friendships

Dave's best friend after repeating first grade is Stan, providing some emotional support.
His father occasionally shows compassion, such as gifting Dave painting kits when his mother deprives him of Santa Claus.

Extreme Punishments

Dave experiences extreme punishments, including being burned on the gas stove for minor misbehavior.
He learns to stall for time to avoid further punishment, employing psychological strategies against his mother's violence.

Coping Mechanisms

Dave fantasizes about food, specifically a cheeseburger, as he endures hunger and neglect at home.
He resorts to stealing food from classmates by rummaging through their lunch boxes early at school.

Consequences of Actions

Discovering his theft results in increased beatings and further deprivation of food during weekends.
Dave's mother derogatorily calls him "the boy," dehumanizing him further.

Parental Conflicts

Dave's parents frequently argue about him, showcasing the tension within the household dynamics.
His father, initially against the punishments, eventually becomes desensitized and withdraws emotionally.

Teacher's Concern

Miss Moses, Dave's teacher, notices his bruises and inattentiveness, prompting her to inquire about his home situation.
Dave's mother responds with violence and denial when confronted by the school regarding her son's condition.

Overall Environment

The environment at home is marked by neglect, punishment, and psychological manipulation, severely impacting Dave's development and mental health.

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Test your knowledge on chapters 3 and 4 of 'A Child Called It' through these flashcards. Explore the dynamics of Dave's relationship with his mother and other key events in the narrative. Perfect for reviewing key concepts and details.