Out of the Dust Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Who wrote the book 'Out of the Dust'?

Karen Hesse

When and where does the story take place? What major event was happening at that time?

Oklahoma, in the 1930s during the Dust Bowl

Who was the protagonist in the story?

Billie Jo

How old is she at the beginning of the story?

14 Signup and view all the answers

What years does the novel cover?

1934-1935 Signup and view all the answers

What is man versus man conflict?

The conflict between two or more people (external conflict) Signup and view all the answers

What is man versus nature conflict?

The conflict between the character and the harsh conditions of the outdoors (external conflict) Signup and view all the answers

What is man versus self conflict?

The conflict between the character and their inner longing or being (internal conflict) Signup and view all the answers

Give an example from the book of man versus man conflict.

Billie Jo versus her mom before she dies. They fight all the time about Billie Jo playing the piano. Signup and view all the answers

Give an example from the book of man versus nature conflict.

Billie Jo versus the harsh conditions of the Dust Bowl. Signup and view all the answers

Give an example from the book of man versus self conflict.

Billie Jo's fear of being alone and her want to escape her present life away from everyone she knows. Signup and view all the answers

Define theme.

A main idea or an underlying meaning of a literary work that may be stated directly or indirectly. Signup and view all the answers

What is the theme of the novel? Give evidence.

Loss; she loses her mom, her brother, Mad Dog, Livie, her home, and her dad. Signup and view all the answers

What is the climax of the story?

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What does the title 'Out of the Dust' mean?

It speaks to Billie Jo's longing to escape her home and the dust that captures her life. Signup and view all the answers

How is the story resolved?

She is reunited with her dad after trying to escape by train. She also learns to love his girlfriend Louise. Signup and view all the answers

What is figurative language?

Language that uses words or expressions with a meaning that is different from the literal interpretation. Signup and view all the answers

What is free verse?

Poetry that does not have a regular meter or rhyme scheme. Signup and view all the answers

What is a simile?

A comparison using 'like' or 'as'. Signup and view all the answers

What is a metaphor?

A comparison without using like or as. Signup and view all the answers

What is personification?

A figure of speech in which an object or animal is given human feelings, thoughts, or attitudes. Signup and view all the answers

What is alliteration?

The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning or end of words. Signup and view all the answers

What is a symbol?

A thing that represents or stands for something else, especially a material object representing something abstract. Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of free verse poetry.

The page is shaped like the keys of the piano and it describes how she feels when she plays. Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of a simile.

'Foul as maggoty stew.' Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of a metaphor.

'Searing the inside of my nose.' Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of alliteration.

'Barefoot, bare-bottomed.' Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of personification.

'Roaring dust.' Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of symbolism.

Green is a symbol of life and happiness in the book. Signup and view all the answers

Summarize the plot of the novel.

Billie Jo, a young girl in the Dust Bowl, searches for happiness in her harsh conditions. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Author and Setting

Written by Karen Hesse.
Set in Oklahoma during the 1930s amid the Dust Bowl, a significant environmental disaster.

Protagonist

Billie Jo is the main character.
She is 14 years old at the story's beginning.
The narrative spans the years 1934-1935.

Conflicts

Man vs. Man: Billie Jo often argues with her mother over piano playing, depicted through their strife before her mother's death.
Man vs. Nature: Billie Jo struggles against the devastating conditions of the Dust Bowl which affect her life dramatically.
Man vs. Self: Billie Jo faces internal conflict regarding her fear of loneliness and desire for escape from her challenging life.

Themes

Central theme revolves around loss, illustrated by Billie Jo's experiences of losing her mother, brother, friends, and emotional connection with her father.
The title "Out of the Dust" reflects Billie Jo's yearning to escape her barren, unhappy life shaped by the dust.

Climax and Resolution

The story culminates when Billie Jo reunites with her father after attempting to escape by train, fostering a relationship with his girlfriend, Louise.
The resolution features Billie Jo playing the piano again, signifying healing and reconnection.

Figurative Language

Figurative language enriches the text, utilizing various tools including:
- Free Verse: Poetry without a regular meter or rhyme scheme, as shown on page 13.
- Simile: Comparisons using "like" or "as," e.g., "foul as maggoty stew" (pg 29).
- Metaphor: Direct comparisons that don't use "like" or "as," e.g., "searing the inside of my nose" (pg 46).
- Personification: Attributing human qualities to non-human elements, seen in "roaring dust" (pg 46).
- Alliteration: Repetition of consonant sounds, e.g., "barefoot, bare-bottomed" (pg 3).
- Symbolism: Objects represent abstract concepts, such as green symbolizing life and happiness in the narrative.

Plot Summary

The novel chronicles Billie Jo's pursuit of happiness amidst the relentless harshness of the Dust Bowl, exemplified by her familial losses and environmental struggles.

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Test your knowledge of Karen Hesse's novel 'Out of the Dust' with these flashcards. The quiz covers key details about the story's setting, characters, and major events, perfect for a study guide or review session.