10 Questions
What is Flora doing in her room at the beginning of the story?
She is reading a comic book and ignoring her mother.
What did Flora agree to do in the contract she signed with her mother?
She agreed to turn away from comics and toward 'true literature'.
What type of novels does Flora's mother write?
Romance novels.
What is Flora's opinion of romance?
She hates romance.
Why does Flora's mother want her to stop reading comics?
Because she thinks comics are 'idiotic high jinks' and not 'true literature'.
How does Flora's action of reading a comic book at the beginning of the story reflect her attitude towards her mother's wishes?
Flora's action of reading a comic book shows her defiance towards her mother's wishes, as stated in the contract, and her desire to maintain her individuality and independence.
What does the contract between Flora and her mother reveal about their relationship?
The contract reveals a power struggle between Flora and her mother, with Flora's mother trying to exert control over Flora's reading habits and Flora resisting this control.
How does Flora's opinion of romance novels reflect her perception of her mother's writing?
Flora's hatred of romance novels reflects her perception of her mother's writing as shallow and uninteresting, and her desire to distance herself from her mother's literary tastes.
What motivates Flora to shout 'I'm reading!' in response to her mother's question?
Flora shouts 'I'm reading!' to assert her independence and to indicate that she is engaging in an activity that brings her joy and fulfillment, despite her mother's disapproval.
What does the description of Flora's mother as a writer of romance novels reveal about her character?
The description of Flora's mother as a writer of romance novels reveals her to be sentimental and possibly idealistic, as well as someone who values emotional relationships and romantic love.
Study Notes
Flora Belle Buckman
- Flora is in her room, busy doing two things at once: ignoring her mother and reading a comic book called "The Illuminated Adventures of the Amazing Incandesto!"
- Flora's mother shouts at her from downstairs, reminding her of a contract they made at the beginning of summer
The Contract
- Flora signed a contract stating she would turn away from comics and focus on "true literature"
- The contract's exact words were written by Flora's mother
Flora's Mother
- She is a divorced writer who writes romance novels
- Flora hates romance novels and romance in general
Context
- Flora's mother wants her to focus on "true literature" instead of comics
- Flora is rebellious and prefers comics, especially "The Illuminated Adventures of the Amazing Incandesto!"
Flora Belle Buckman
- Flora is in her room, busy doing two things at once: ignoring her mother and reading a comic book called "The Illuminated Adventures of the Amazing Incandesto!"
- Flora's mother shouts at her from downstairs, reminding her of a contract they made at the beginning of summer
The Contract
- Flora signed a contract stating she would turn away from comics and focus on "true literature"
- The contract's exact words were written by Flora's mother
Flora's Mother
- She is a divorced writer who writes romance novels
- Flora hates romance novels and romance in general
Context
- Flora's mother wants her to focus on "true literature" instead of comics
- Flora is rebellious and prefers comics, especially "The Illuminated Adventures of the Amazing Incandesto!"
Read and understand the first chapter of Flora & Ulysses, a novel by Kate DiCamillo. Meet Flora Belle Buckman, a young girl who loves reading comic books. Learn about her relationship with her mother and a mysterious contract.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
