First French School in Brussels

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Questions and Answers

What does Max's reaction to his parents' news reveal about his expectations for their time in Brussels?

He was indifferent to the educational arrangements, focusing more on the travel opportunities.
He expected minimal disruption to his education, assuming he would attend an American school. (correct)
He believed he would be homeschooled, allowing for a flexible learning schedule.
He anticipated attending a local Belgian school to immerse himself fully in the culture.

How does the author use the setting of the Grand Place to enhance the reader's understanding of Max's experience?

To emphasize the cultural immersion and exciting distractions Max is experiencing, which overshadow his personal concerns.
To symbolize the historical significance of Brussels and its impact on Max's understanding of European history.
To highlight the shared excitement of the family, as they explore a new and interesting environment together.
To create a stark contrast between the vibrant, bustling tourist environment and Max's internal conflict and sense of displacement. (correct)

How does the contrast between Claire's situation and Max's contribute to the story's central conflict?

It provides a direct comparison of their academic achievements, revealing Max's intellectual superiority.
It highlights Claire's resentment towards Max for receiving more attention from their parents.
It underscores the siblings' shared bond and mutual support during a challenging family transition.
It emphasizes the parents' differing expectations and treatment of their children based on academic performance. (correct)

What does Max's internal monologue about Claire reveal about their past relationship and his current feelings?

He feels betrayed by her silence and perceives her as abandoning their shared sense of opposition to their parents' decisions. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Analyze the significance of the father's attire (Marine Corps Marathon T-shirt and cargo shorts) in characterizing him within the context of their European setting.

It underscores his identity as an American tourist, juxtaposing his background with the European environment. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the author use references to Belgian culture (e.g., waffles, Manneken Pis) to contribute to the story's themes?

To create a sensory-rich environment that immerses the reader in the unfamiliar world Max is experiencing, emphasizing his cultural displacement. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What underlying assumptions do Max's parents have about education and personal growth, based on their decisions regarding Claire and Max?

They believe academic pursuits are best for those who excel in that area, while others benefit more from unique, broadening experiences. (E) Signup and view all the answers

What does the detail about Max not seeing anyone in shorts outside the Grand Place primarily suggest about his state of mind?

He feels out of place and is hyper-focused on superficial differences to avoid deeper emotional processing. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why is Max particularly upset about not being able to 'drift off in class' in a language he understands?

He views drifting off in class as a coping mechanism to escape the stress and discomfort of his new environment. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely reason Ms. Krantz, the learning specialist, recommended Max work on being less impulsive?

To address his behavioral issues, demonstrated by the bike incident, which suggest a pattern of reactive behavior. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does the reference to Max's mother pointing out the horsemeat in the store contribute to the overall narrative?

It underscores Max's feeling of alienation and disgust towards his new, unfamiliar surroundings. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does Claire's sarcastic remark about Max not being a 'complete idiot' reveal about her perspective on the family's situation?

She resents having to move to a new country and is expressing her frustration through passive-aggressive comments. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the detail about the weather changing from sunny to gray clouds symbolize in the context of Max's emotional state?

Max's declining mood and the growing sense of despair he feels about his situation. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the underlying reason for Max's parents' differing reactions to his initial complaints about the move?

The father understands Max's deeper anxieties, whereas the mother believes in Ms. Krantz's assessment and believes Max is capable of succeeding. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does the narrative use Max's past incident with the bike to provide insight into his character?

The incident emphasizes Max's loyalty to his friends and his tendency to act impulsively in the face of injustice. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Considering Max's feelings of isolation and displacement, what is the most significant challenge he faces in adapting to his new life in Brussels?

Building meaningful connections with others despite the language barrier and cultural differences. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Max's outburst about not wanting to repeat sixth grade in French primarily reveals his:

deep-seated frustration with his parents' perceived lack of consideration for his feelings. (B) Signup and view all the answers

The interaction at the waffle shop between Max and his parents is best characterized by:

a subtle power dynamic where the parents assert their authority under the guise of gentle persuasion. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Max's observation that people in Brussels are 'grim and silent' most likely indicates:

a projection of his own negative emotional state onto his new surroundings. (C) Signup and view all the answers

When Max thinks about wanting a 'hamburger...at the diner on Connecticut Avenue,' this desire primarily represents:

a symbolic yearning for the familiarity and security of his American home and life. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Claire's seemingly nonchalant reaction to the move, as suggested by her phone use, could be interpreted as:

a coping mechanism to distance herself from the upheaval and uncertainty of the move. (D) Signup and view all the answers

The parents' emphasis on Max being 'the best' in his class after repeating sixth grade suggests a parenting philosophy that prioritizes:

projecting their own aspirations for achievement onto Max, potentially overlooking his emotional needs. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Max's description of Brussels as having 'scrawny, overtrimmed trees that looked like amputees' exemplifies:

a metaphor revealing his feelings of being uprooted, diminished, and out of place. (B) Signup and view all the answers

The detail about Max stepping in dog poop and feeling the city is a 'poop obstacle course' can be interpreted as:

a hyperbolic expression of his overall negative perception and frustration with the city. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Max's initial blame of Claire for the move to Brussels, despite her lack of involvement, suggests:

a displaced expression of anger and frustration stemming from a deeper source. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Grand Place

The main town square of Brussels, Belgium, known for its ornate buildings.

Manneken Pis

A small bronze statue of a boy urinating, a famous landmark in Brussels.