Gorilla's Life in a Mall
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Questions and Answers

Who is described as the favorite keeper of the narrator?

  • George
  • Gerald (correct)
  • Katrina
  • Ellen

Which activity is NOT associated with Katrina in the passage?

  • Singing a song
  • Taking care of the narrator
  • Pouring beverages (correct)
  • Poking the narrator with a broom

What does Mack not have money for, according to the narrator?

  • An ape babysitter (correct)
  • New toys
  • Repairs to the cage
  • Food for the narrator

What does the narrator recall most when thinking about caretakers?

<p>Mack's constant presence (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sensory experience is NOT mentioned in relation to the surroundings?

<p>The taste of strawberries (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Stella say she is sure about?

<p>That she will see another real, live gorilla someday. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the narrator compare Stella to themselves and Bob?

<p>Stella is like a mountain, they are like grains of sand. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Stella do during her circus performance?

<p>Stands on her hind legs while a dog jumps on her head. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happened when the trainer used a claw-stick on the bull elephant?

<p>The bull tossed the trainer into the air. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Stella's trunk allow her to do?

<p>Pick up a single peanut with precision. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Stella refer to her past chains as?

<p>Her bracelets. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes Stella's foot condition?

<p>She limps and sometimes gets infected. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What two things do the narrator and Stella both enjoy?

<p>Yogurt raisins and moonlight. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason Stella does not complain about her condition?

<p>She is too old to cause trouble. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Mack's attitude towards the animals at the mall?

<p>He is angry because they are costing him money. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How much food does a silverback need each day to maintain his health?

<p>45 pounds (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Bob primarily hunt for to eat?

<p>Hot dogs from the trash (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Bob feel about having a permanent home?

<p>He prefers the life of a wild animal. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Mack give Ivan to draw?

<p>A yellow crayon (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which animal did Bob reference as a parasite?

<p>Poodles (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the children doing that frustrates Ivan?

<p>They are throwing pebbles. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many banana drawings does Ivan make?

<p>Ten (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does Ivan feel sad about calling the children 'slimy chimps'?

<p>He regrets being insulting. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Julia enjoy doing with Ivan?

<p>Sitting and drawing. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What animal does Stella refer to as being in a 'powerful disguise'?

<p>Ivan the gorilla (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Bob do to communicate his feelings?

<p>Utilizes body language and tail movements. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Ivan perceive his chances of attracting visitors?

<p>By learning tricks. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Sara when she gets sick?

<p>She stops coming to visit. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Julia use to engage in her homework activities?

<p>A sharp pencil and thick books. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Julia feel about Deshawn Williams?

<p>She appreciates his teasing. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common theme in Julia's drawings of Bob?

<p>Bob looks sad but elegant. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Julia's father say when he sees her drawing?

<p>He recognizes the drawing as Bob. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does Bob not let humans touch him?

<p>Their scent upsets his digestion. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What suggestion does Stella give to help with sleeplessness?

<p>Eating something. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does George's wife experience?

<p>She has both good and bad days. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Mack do after his conversation with George?

<p>He gives George money for Julia's crayons. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the narrator describe their inability to sleep?

<p>They feel sleepy but can't fall asleep. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What mood does Julia’s drawing of the little dog convey?

<p>Smart and cunning with a wistful gaze. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does George offer to help Julia with?

<p>Cleaning the floors. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable characteristic of Bob in Julia's drawings?

<p>He is shown with whimsical elements like wings. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Stella recall about memories?

<p>They help define our identity. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does Julia create a drawing of a flying dog?

<p>Because her mom likes airplanes and dogs. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Character Intro

The narrator in the story, an elephant, is a large and lonely creature who shares a bond with Stella, an older elephant. They both are large and alone, and they love yogurt raisins. They both live in a zoo or a similar environment, but Stella was once a circus elephant.

Stella's Personality

Stella, the older elephant, has a remarkable memory and remembers details of her past, including her time in a circus. She loves the moon and is full of wisdom.

Shared Loneliness

The narrator and Stella are both large and alone. They have a deep understanding of each other despite their differences.

Stella's Trunk

Stella's trunk is a powerful tool, capable of performing delicate tasks like picking up a peanut or touching someone's shoulder. Despite its strength, it cannot open the door to Stella's enclosure.

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Circus Elephants

The narrator and Stella are both elephants that were used in the circus. Stella talks about the cruelty and violence she experienced during her time in the circus.

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Stella's Scars

Stella's trunk is a symbol of her strength and ability, but she also has scars on her body due to her past experiences in the circus. These scars are a reminder of the chains she wore as a young elephant.

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Stella's Injured Foot

Stella injured her foot while performing a circus trick. She limps and her foot is prone to infection.

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Elephant Communication

The narrator states that elephants, like gorillas, do not waste words. This suggests that elephants are slow and deliberate in their communication.

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Ivan

A large, powerful gorilla who lives in a cage at the Big Top Mall and is the main character of the story.

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Ivan's eating plan

Ivan's plan to eat more to attract more visitors to his cage.

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Bob

A stray dog who is quick and clever, frequently found near Ivan's cage.

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Bob's sadness

A feeling of sadness and loneliness that Bob experiences.

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Bob's wild spirit

Bob's philosophy about being free and independent.

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Domesticated vs. Wild

A comparison of domesticated animals and wild ones, specifically poodles and Bob.

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Picasso

The name given to Ivan by Mack, indicating that he expects Ivan to produce drawings for visitors.

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Stella

A female gorilla named Stella who is confined to a separate cage.

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Mack

The owner of the Big Top Mall and the manager of its animal performances.

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Thelma's personality

Thelma's sassy demeanor and rebellious attitude.

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Ivan's Drawings

A recurring theme in the story: The idea of an old gorilla drawing in his cage.

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Ivan's visitors

The group of visitors who observe Ivan during his performances.

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Julia

The girl who visits Ivan's cage and always sits by it.

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Ivan's regret

Ivan's acknowledgment of his rude behavior towards the children.

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Respect for All

The concept that all living beings, even those confined to cages, deserve respect.

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Gerald's Kindness

The narrator has a deep affection for Gerald, a former keeper, who brought him sweet strawberries. This contrasts with the current situation where he is cared for by Mack, who is practical but distant.

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The Desire for a True Keeper

The narrator expresses a desire for a true keeper like Gerald, someone who provides more than just basic care. This highlights the emotional needs of animals in captivity.

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The Loss of Cuteness

The narrator is no longer considered cute by Mack, who is now practical and pragmatic in his care. This shows the shift in perception as the narrator ages and loses physical appeal.

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Mack's Role

Mack is the current caretaker of the narrator, providing basic needs but lacking the personal connection that Gerald had. This highlights the contrast between functional care and genuine affection.

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Loneliness and Sleep

The narrator's longing for sleep, a simple act of rest, is portrayed as a respite from the loneliness of captivity. This emphasizes the importance of basic comforts for captive animals.

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What is homework?

It involves using a pencil, books, and taking a long time.

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Who does Julia like?

Julia likes art and science, and she enjoys the company of Deshawn Williams, who treats her kindly despite teasing her. She dislikes Lila Burpee, who simply teases her.

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How does Bob appear in Julia's drawings?

In Julia's drawings, Bob appears sleek and sorrowful, unlike his depiction on the faded billboard.

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Describe Bob.

Bob is a small, big-eared dog who prefers not to be touched.

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How did Bob get his name?

Bob's name was given to him by Julia after she drew him, and his name describes his personality.

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What did Julia's dad think about Bob's name?

Julia's father believed that Bob's name was 'Bob' after seeing Julia's drawing.

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Who is Mack and what does he do?

Mack works late and sometimes visits the gorilla's domain to drink and talk about his life.

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What does Julia draw for her mom?

Julia draws a picture of a flying dog for her mom, who likes airplanes and dogs.

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How does Mack show his care for others?

Mack shows concern for George's wife and tries to help Julia, but often expresses cynicism.

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Why does the gorilla feel tired?

The gorilla claims he is tired but not sleepy due to feeling trapped in his domain, a small and confining space.

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What does Bob think of the gorilla's domain?

Bob, the dog, believes the gorilla's domain is a cage and expresses a lack of tact in his words.

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How does the gorilla show concern for Stella?

The gorilla feels concern for Stella's limping leg and worries about her health.

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Why are memories important?

Memories are valuable because they help shape a person's identity.

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Who is Karl and what does the gorilla remember about him?

The gorilla remembers a keeper named Karl, who gave him a coconut, and tries to recall others.

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Study Notes

Gorilla's Life in a Mall

  • Stella, the Gorilla: A large, elderly gorilla, older than the narrator, at the Big Top Mall. She has "eyes like black stars" and a vast knowledge.

  • Relationship with Narrator: The narrator and Stella often talk at night, despite not having much in common, sharing a love for yogurt raisins. Stella recounts childhood memories of lush forest environments.

  • Circus History: Stella previously performed in a circus, exhibiting impressive feats of strength and balance, including standing on hind legs. This involved training by human trainers, using the "claw-stick" as a method of enforcing obedience.

  • Physical Condition: Stella has scars from chains ("bracelets") and a limp from a fall during circus performance, and her health can fluctuate, such as the significant swelling in her foot last winter.

  • Bob, the Stray Dog: A small, fast, and resourceful stray dog; an intelligent and spirited "wild beast". He lives off food scraps and avoids human contact, and was left without his family due to inhumane human activities.

  • Interactions in the Mall: The narrator tries to attract visitors by increasing his food intake; Bob provides valuable insights into the situation and encourages the narrator to rethink his strategy.

Human Interactions and Problems

  • Mack, the Mall Owner: The mall owner, is portrayed negatively as unkind, greedy (losing money, wanting to sell the animals), and impatient (responding with aggression to Thelma, a macaw, and to the narrator's plans for increased food intake).

  • Visitors: Some visitors, including a boy and a girl, are depicted as causing disturbances due to spitting and throwing pebbles. These children are labeled "slimy chimps" by the narrator.

  • Julia: A young girl who regularly visits the narrator and draws pictures of him, Bob, and other creatures in the mall, finding solace in her art. Her father George is helpful in subtle ways, like buying crayons for Julia and helping others.

  • Human-Animal Dynamics: The human-animal interactions in the mall are not always positive. There is exploitation (circus performance history) and cruelty (Mack throwing trash, mistreating Thelma) and contrasting kindness (George, Julia).

Narrator's Thoughts and Feelings

  • Desire for Change: The narrator isn't happy with his current situation and his domain within the mall, expressing a longing for better interactions and connection.

  • Reflection and Emotion: The narrator questions his own behavior, wishing to understand and improve, particularly after Julia's kind interactions and the narrator's feelings about these disturbing events.

  • Loneliness & Solitude: The narrator experiences loneliness despite having some interactions with Stella, Bob, and Julia. He grapples with the difference between loneliness and the desire for interaction with various characters.

  • Memory and Reflection: The narrator reflects on his past keepers, appreciating their care, and contemplates the concept of memory and how it shapes who they are.

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Description

Explore the life of Stella, an elderly gorilla living in the Big Top Mall. Through her memories and conversations with the narrator, uncover her past as a circus performer and the bond she shares with others like Bob, a stray dog. This quiz delves into themes of captivity, memory, and friendship.

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