Literary Analysis: Character Description

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Questions and Answers

What was the initial impression of the two boys based on their appearance?

They looked quite confident and assertive

They appeared to be shabbily dressed (correct)

They seemed older than their actual age

They seemed well-dressed and well-groomed

What did the narrator and their companion purchase from the boys?

A small basket of fruit

Their biggest basket (correct)

A polished pair of shoes

A souvenir from Juliet's tomb

What did the boys do in the public square the next morning?

Performed acrobatic tricks

Worked as shoeshine boys (correct)

Offered guided tours of the town

Sold baskets of fruit

What was Nicola's response to the narrator's question about their occupation?

We do many things, sir Signup and view all the answers

What did the narrator agree to do with the boys?

Have them show them around the town Signup and view all the answers

What was the narrator's impression of the boys' demeanor?

They had a remarkable and impressive demeanor Signup and view all the answers

How old was Jacopo, according to the text?

Nearly 12 years old Signup and view all the answers

What was the narrator's initial reaction to the boys' appearance?

They shrugged their shoulders in disapproval Signup and view all the answers

What is the narrator's observation about the eating habits of the characters?

They eat little and infrequently. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Nicola look at the ground in line 20?

He is ashamed of his answer. Signup and view all the answers

What is the narrator's initial assumption about Nicola's plans?

He is saving up to emigrate to America. Signup and view all the answers

What is Nicola's response to the narrator's question about his plans?

He says it's just plans, sir, in a low voice. Signup and view all the answers

What does Jacopo ask the narrator to do on Sunday?

Send them to Poleta in the narrator's car. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Nicola glaring at his brother in line 28?

He is angry with him for asking the narrator for a favor. Signup and view all the answers

What is the narrator's surprise when they arrive at the destination?

The size of the villa. Signup and view all the answers

What does Jacopo suggest the narrator do while they are at the villa?

Go to the cafe in the village for a drink. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'set up' mean?

to start on a journey Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'come across' mean?

to postpone Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'turn down' mean?

to refuse/ reject Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'put off' mean?

to be faced with or opposed by Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'break down' mean?

to tolerate a situation or a person Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'put on' mean?

to start/ establish a company Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'come in' mean?

to enter Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'set off' mean?

to lose control of your feelings and start crying Signup and view all the answers

What does the narrator imply about Nicola and Jacopo's work?

They earn a significant amount of money. Signup and view all the answers

What does the narrator's question about Nicola's money reveal about the narrator?

The narrator is curious about Nicola's financial situation. Signup and view all the answers

What does Nicola's glance at the narrator suggest?

Nicola is seeking approval from the narrator. Signup and view all the answers

What does the narrator's observation of Nicola's meal suggest?

Nicola is frugal and eats simple meals. Signup and view all the answers

What does Nicola's response to the narrator's question reveal about his attitude?

Nicola is serious and responsible. Signup and view all the answers

What does the narrator's remark about Nicola's emigration to America suggest?

The narrator is suggesting that Nicola is saving up to emigrate. Signup and view all the answers

What does the narrator's observation of Nicola's sunburn reveal?

Nicola spends a lot of time outdoors. Signup and view all the answers

What is the tone of the narrator's conversation with Nicola?

Curious and inquiring. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary limitation of the first-person narrative mode?

The narrator's thoughts and observations are limited to their own perspective Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of Lucia's diary entry in the writing task?

To reflect on her past life and present situation Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of the first-person narrative mode?

It allows the narrator to tell the story from a more personal perspective Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

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.

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Description

Analyze the character description in a passage of literature, focusing on the boys' appearance and the author's writing style.