Salvage The Bones Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Who is China?

She is a big-headed pit bull puppy

What does China give birth to?

puppies

Who is Junior?

the youngest child

How did Mama die?

she died giving birth to Junior Signup and view all the answers

Describe Skeetah.

he is dark, short, and lean Signup and view all the answers

How old is Skeetah?

he is sixteen years old Signup and view all the answers

Describe Randall.

he is dark, has narrow eyes, and shoulders Signup and view all the answers

How old is Randall?

he is seventeen years old Signup and view all the answers

How old is Junior?

he is seven years old Signup and view all the answers

Does China like the dad?

False Signup and view all the answers

Describe China.

She has red eyes, ripple sides, and a black mouth line Signup and view all the answers

When is there always a hurricane?

in the summer Signup and view all the answers

Who is Manny?

he is Randall's friend and he is 19 years old Signup and view all the answers

Describe Manny.

he has black curly hair, black eyes, white teeth, his skin was the color of fresh-cut wood at the heart of a pine tree, his bottom lip is pink and full when his top lip is a shy line Signup and view all the answers

What does the family eat every day?

they eat top Ramen soup and hot dogs Signup and view all the answers

What happens every week?

there is a new storm coming Signup and view all the answers

What grade did the main character just finish?

10th grade Signup and view all the answers

What book does the main character have to read for summer reading?

Edith Hamilton's Mythology Signup and view all the answers

What is the main character's dad's religion?

The dad is Methodist Signup and view all the answers

What was the main character's mom's religion?

The mom was Catholic Signup and view all the answers

The main character and her brothers were raised?

Catholic Signup and view all the answers

Who is Big Henry?

he is Randall's friend Signup and view all the answers

Who was Mother Lizabeth?

the main character's grandma Signup and view all the answers

Who is Marquise?

he is Big Henry's cousin and Skeetah's closest friend Signup and view all the answers

Who is Shaliyah?

she is Manny's girlfriend Signup and view all the answers

Is Marquise smaller than Skeetah?

True Signup and view all the answers

Who is Rico?

Manny's cousin Signup and view all the answers

What color is blood at night?

black Signup and view all the answers

Who are the main character's grandparents?

Mother Lizabeth and Papa Joseph Signup and view all the answers

What did Mother Lizabeth and Papa Joseph own?

The Pit (land) Signup and view all the answers

How long was the Pit?

15 acres Signup and view all the answers

How did Papa Joseph die?

he died from mouth cancer Signup and view all the answers

How did Mother Lizabeth die?

she died in her sleep after praying the rosary Signup and view all the answers

Mornings after births should be?

quiet Signup and view all the answers

At the beginning of the book, how many puppies does China have?

5 puppies Signup and view all the answers

How old is Marquise?

he is 16 years old Signup and view all the answers

How old is Big Henry?

he is 18 years old even though he looks like he is over the age of 21 Signup and view all the answers

Who is the main character?

Esch Signup and view all the answers

What is the last thing Esch wants?

food Signup and view all the answers

When does the dad make Junior do the tornado drill?

Every time he steals food from the kitchen Signup and view all the answers

Explain the tornado drill.

kneel, fold over your thighs, tuck your head between your knees, cover your neck with your bony fingers to protect the soft throat underneath Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of one of the puppies?

Nella; Esch named her Signup and view all the answers

What nationality are Esch and her family members?

They are black (African Americans) Signup and view all the answers

At the end of the novel, what are Esch's parents' names?

Esch's dad is named Claude; Esch's mom is named Rose Signup and view all the answers

Why is it significant that each chapter begins a new day?

Each day is another day in which Esch continues to learn about becoming a mother to her unborn child during her pregnancy Signup and view all the answers

What is the Pit?

The land that Esch and her family lives on Signup and view all the answers

Who used to own the Pit?

Papa Joseph Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Characters Overview

China is a big-headed pit bull puppy, integral to the family dynamics.
Junior, at seven years old, is the youngest child, associated with the birth of China’s puppies.
Skeetah, sixteen, is described as dark, short, and lean, representing a protective elder brother.
Randall is seventeen, characterized by narrow eyes and broad shoulders, displaying a mature demeanor.
Manny is a 19-year-old friend of Randall with distinctive features and acts as an older male influence.
Marquise, 16, is Skeetah’s closest friend and is depicted as smaller in stature compared to Skeetah.
Big Henry, 18, is another friend of Randall, often looking older than his age.

Family Background

Esch, the main character, has a complicated relationship with her parents; Claude is the father and Rose the mother.
Mother Lizabeth, Esch’s grandmother, and Papa Joseph, her grandfather, owned a 15-acre land known as "the Pit."
The family has deep roots in their Catholic upbringing, influenced by their mother’s beliefs.

Themes and Symbols

Hurricanes symbolize the looming challenges during summer, serving as a backdrop to the personal and familial struggles.
The Tornado drill reflects preparation and survival instincts, mirroring themes of resilience and maternal readiness.
Food scarcity is emphasized through their daily meals consisting primarily of top Ramen soup and hot dogs.

Significant Events

The tragic death of Mama, who died during Junior's birth, highlights the cyclical nature of life and loss within the family.
Esch experiences a journey of impending motherhood, as each chapter represents a new day leading to her growth into this role.
The family deals with environmental changes as new storms approach weekly, creating tension and uncertainty.

Cultural and Historical Context

The family identifies as African American, situating their experiences within a broader cultural narrative.
Religious influences are present, with the father being Methodist and the mother Catholic, representing the duality of beliefs in family values.

Additional Context

China gives birth to five puppies, showcasing themes of protection and nurturing.
The color of blood at night being described as black adds a layer of poetic imagery to the narrative.
Esch’s struggles often revolve around her longing for food, representing basic survival instincts intertwined with emotional needs.

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Description

Test your knowledge of key characters and events from 'Salvage the Bones'. This quiz covers essential details about the main characters, their relationships, and significant plot points. Perfect for studying and reviewing the novel's themes and characters.