40 Questions
What was the initial impression of the two boys based on their appearance?
They appeared to be shabbily dressed
What did the narrator and their companion purchase from the boys?
Their biggest basket
What did the boys do in the public square the next morning?
Worked as shoeshine boys
What was Nicola's response to the narrator's question about their occupation?
We do many things, sir
What did the narrator agree to do with the boys?
Have them show them around the town
What was the narrator's impression of the boys' demeanor?
They had a remarkable and impressive demeanor
How old was Jacopo, according to the text?
Nearly 12 years old
What was the narrator's initial reaction to the boys' appearance?
They shrugged their shoulders in disapproval
What is the narrator's observation about the eating habits of the characters?
They eat little and infrequently.
Why does Nicola look at the ground in line 20?
He is ashamed of his answer.
What is the narrator's initial assumption about Nicola's plans?
He is saving up to emigrate to America.
What is Nicola's response to the narrator's question about his plans?
He says it's just plans, sir, in a low voice.
What does Jacopo ask the narrator to do on Sunday?
Send them to Poleta in the narrator's car.
Why is Nicola glaring at his brother in line 28?
He is angry with him for asking the narrator for a favor.
What is the narrator's surprise when they arrive at the destination?
The size of the villa.
What does Jacopo suggest the narrator do while they are at the villa?
Go to the cafe in the village for a drink.
What does the phrase 'set up' mean?
to start on a journey
What does the phrase 'come across' mean?
to postpone
What does the phrase 'turn down' mean?
to refuse/ reject
What does the phrase 'put off' mean?
to be faced with or opposed by
What does the phrase 'break down' mean?
to tolerate a situation or a person
What does the phrase 'put on' mean?
to start/ establish a company
What does the phrase 'come in' mean?
to enter
What does the phrase 'set off' mean?
to lose control of your feelings and start crying
What does the narrator imply about Nicola and Jacopo's work?
They earn a significant amount of money.
What does the narrator's question about Nicola's money reveal about the narrator?
The narrator is curious about Nicola's financial situation.
What does Nicola's glance at the narrator suggest?
Nicola is seeking approval from the narrator.
What does the narrator's observation of Nicola's meal suggest?
Nicola is frugal and eats simple meals.
What does Nicola's response to the narrator's question reveal about his attitude?
Nicola is serious and responsible.
What does the narrator's remark about Nicola's emigration to America suggest?
The narrator is suggesting that Nicola is saving up to emigrate.
What does the narrator's observation of Nicola's sunburn reveal?
Nicola spends a lot of time outdoors.
What is the tone of the narrator's conversation with Nicola?
Curious and inquiring.
What is the primary limitation of the first-person narrative mode?
The narrator's thoughts and observations are limited to their own perspective
What is a key feature of the third-person narrative mode?
The narrator can tell the reader things that the main character does not know
What is the primary advantage of the third-person narrative mode?
It allows the narrator to provide information that is not available to the main character
What is the primary focus of the narrator's article in the writing task?
The lesson of love, faith, and trust that the narrator learned from Nicola and Jacopo
What is the primary purpose of Lucia's diary entry in the writing task?
To reflect on her past life and present situation
What is the primary difference between the narrator's perspective and the reader's perspective in the first-person narrative mode?
The narrator's perspective is limited to their own thoughts and observations, while the reader has a more complete understanding of the story
What is the primary advantage of the first-person narrative mode?
It allows the narrator to tell the story from a more personal perspective
What is the primary purpose of the discussion questions in the group activity?
To explore the aspects of the story and share views with the class
Study Notes
Description of the Boys
- The two boys, Nicola and Jacopo, are brothers who are 13 and nearly 12 years old respectively.
- They have brown skins, tangled hair, and dark earnest eyes.
- They wear worn-out clothes, including a worn jersey and cut-off khaki pants, and a shortened army tunic.
Their Work and Earnings
- The boys sell fruit and do many other things, including showing visitors around the town.
- They earn a decent amount of money but spend very little on clothes and food, typically eating black bread and figs.
- The narrator wonders what they do with their money, suspecting that they might be saving up to emigrate to America.
The Boys' Mannerisms and Behavior
- Nicola is serious and speaks with an effort when questioned about their earnings.
- Jacopo is more outspoken and friendly.
- Both boys are proud and have a remarkable demeanour.
The Car Ride and Visit to Poleta
- The narrator agrees to drive the boys to Poleta, 30 kilometres from Verona, on a Sunday.
- They visit a large red-roofed villa surrounded by a high stone wall, which is a surprising destination.
Observations and Insights
- The narrator is attracted to the boys' unique qualities and is impressed by their hard work and resourcefulness.
- The boys' secrets and plans are revealed gradually, including their mysterious visit to Poleta.
- The narrator is keenly observant and notices the boys' reactions and emotions, including Nicola's embarrassment and Jacopo's excitement.
Analyze the character description in a passage of literature, focusing on the boys' appearance and the author's writing style.
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