Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary source of Max's internal conflict?
What is the primary source of Max's internal conflict?
- His father's constant attempts at humor
- The unfamiliarity of the new environment and the resulting homesickness (correct)
- The pressure of repeating sixth grade
- His inability to speak French fluently
How does the father attempt to mitigate Max's anxiety?
How does the father attempt to mitigate Max's anxiety?
- By emphasizing the academic opportunities in Brussels
- By promising to help him with his French studies
- By downplaying the challenges of learning French
- By using humor and focusing on practical phrases like asking for directions (correct)
What specific aspect of Brussels is NOT mentioned as adding to Max's unease?
What specific aspect of Brussels is NOT mentioned as adding to Max's unease?
- The bustling city atmosphere
- The unfamiliar school system (correct)
- The unfamiliar food
- The different language
What does Max's response "All of it. But like Mom was getting at, it's an opportunity. And it takes the pressure off." suggest?
What does Max's response "All of it. But like Mom was getting at, it's an opportunity. And it takes the pressure off." suggest?
The father's comment "All I have to do is learn French?" can be interpreted as:
The father's comment "All I have to do is learn French?" can be interpreted as:
Which of the following best describes the excerpt's narrative perspective?
Which of the following best describes the excerpt's narrative perspective?
What is the main focus of the provided excerpt?
What is the main focus of the provided excerpt?
The mention of "filets Américains (weird beef)" serves primarily to:
The mention of "filets Américains (weird beef)" serves primarily to:
How does the setting of Brussels contribute to the narrative?
How does the setting of Brussels contribute to the narrative?
The father's act of "checking to ensure no one is eavesdropping" before revealing the French phrase suggests:
The father's act of "checking to ensure no one is eavesdropping" before revealing the French phrase suggests:
Flashcards
Max's challenge
Max's challenge
Max faces the pressure of moving to Brussels for school.
Homesickness
Homesickness
A feeling of longing for home when in a new place.
Language barrier
Language barrier
Difficulty understanding or speaking a new language.
Father's support
Father's support
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Setting
Setting
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Emotional struggle
Emotional struggle
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French language
French language
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Tone of humor
Tone of humor
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Key phrases
Key phrases
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Cultural observations
Cultural observations
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Study Notes
Max's Trip to Brussels
- Max's first impressions of Brussels were negative: sick of the little cars, cigarette smoke, and scrawny trees
- He found the city resembled a "poop obstacle course," feeling homesick
- Max's father announces a move to Belgium and French school
- Max's reaction to this news was concern but with hope for opportunity
- Max feels alone in Brussels
- Max's father mentions only four French words are needed to survive
Homesickness
- Max felt homesick in Brussels
- He wished he could be at a diner on Connecticut Avenue with friends (Kevin and Malik), instead
- Max thought about texting his friends, but felt too embarrassed
- He feared his friends would not accept him next year
- Max felt completely alone
Interactions with His Father
- Max’s father's response to Max's initial feelings about the move to Belgium
- His father's tone was reassuring and calm
- His father wanted Max to be courageous and confident
- His father reassured Max.
Encounter at the street
- Max encountered a woman in a headscarf at the street in Belgium.
- She held a coffee cup and sign that reads "fam, hungry, refuge"
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