Questions and Answers
Who told the author that his father was moving out of the home?
His mom, Sonya Carson
How old was the author when he learned that his father was leaving?
8
What does the author say he liked to do with his father's hands?
Push down the veins on his hands
Who is Curtis?
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What does Mother tell the author his father had done?
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What year does the author say he no longer waited for his father to come home from work?
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The author told his mother that ________ are supposed to ________.
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What does the author's mother call him in 'Goodbye Daddy'?
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What does the author say is the truth he learned much later about his father?
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What does the author say was his one complaint about his mother?
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What does the author say his mother brought a sense of to the family?
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Who does the author say was the 'earliest, strongest, and most impacting force' in his life?
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Study Notes
Key Characters and Relationships
- Sonya Carson is the author's mother, who informs him about his father's departure.
- Bennie Carson, the author, has a brother named Curtis.
- The father figure has a complex reality, as he maintains two families and two wives.
Author's Early Life and Emotions
- The author was 8 years old when he learned about his father's decision to leave the family.
- He expressed a desire for familial unity, believing that mothers and fathers are meant to stay together.
- A significant sense of loss accompanied the realization that his father would not return home.
Familial Impact and Dynamics
- The year 1959 marked the turning point when the author stopped anticipating his father's arrival.
- The author's one complaint about his mother was her ability to conceal the severity of their struggles during childhood.
Themes of Stability and Security
- Despite challenges, Sonya Carson provided a sense of security within the family structure.
- She was the "earliest, strongest, and most impacting force" in the author's life, shaping his experiences and perception of family.
Emotional Significance of the Father Figure
- The author reminisced about physical interactions, such as pushing down the veins on his father's hands, indicating a connection and admiration.
- The concept of "bad stuff" referenced by Sonya suggests that the father's actions negatively impacted the family's dynamics.
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Description
Test your knowledge of Chapter 1 from 'Gifted Hands' by Ben Carson. The flashcards cover key elements such as relationships, emotions, and significant events from the author's early life. Perfect for students or fans of the book who want to deepen their understanding.
