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Questions and Answers
Questions and Answers
Describe three things that go wrong for Melinda on her first day of high school.
Describe three things that go wrong for Melinda on her first day of high school.
A guy behind her shoots the wrapper at the back of her head and it bounces into her lap; no one would sit with her on the bus; she gets hit with food during lunch; she gets a demerit for wandering the halls without a pass.
Explain what Melinda means by 'Art follows lunch like dream follows nightmare.'
Explain what Melinda means by 'Art follows lunch like dream follows nightmare.'
It means that she's comparing art to a dream and lunch to a nightmare.
What is her art project for the year?
What is her art project for the year?
Melinda's art project for the year is to draw a tree and make it something that speaks to everyone.
How realistic is Melinda's first day at high school?
How realistic is Melinda's first day at high school?
Describe Melinda's home situation.
Describe Melinda's home situation.
What problems or frustrations is Melinda experiencing with her classes and friends?
What problems or frustrations is Melinda experiencing with her classes and friends?
Describe her 'burrow'. Why does she go there?
Describe her 'burrow'. Why does she go there?
Why does she become friends with Heather? How is Melinda different from Heather?
Why does she become friends with Heather? How is Melinda different from Heather?
How is Melinda going to use the late passes as her 'get-out-of-jail-free cards'?
How is Melinda going to use the late passes as her 'get-out-of-jail-free cards'?
Describe Melinda's experiences at the pep rally.
Describe Melinda's experiences at the pep rally.
Summarize her thoughts on cheerleaders.
Summarize her thoughts on cheerleaders.
Why is the section called 'Acting'?
Why is the section called 'Acting'?
How does Melinda become increasingly isolated in the section called First Marking Period?
How does Melinda become increasingly isolated in the section called First Marking Period?
Describe 'The Marthas'. What is Heather's response to them?
Describe 'The Marthas'. What is Heather's response to them?
What does Melinda think about being alone on the bus?
What does Melinda think about being alone on the bus?
What does Melinda feel about her art project?
What does Melinda feel about her art project?
What is Melinda's reaction when books are ripped from her arms?
What is Melinda's reaction when books are ripped from her arms?
Why does Melinda take down the mirror?
Why does Melinda take down the mirror?
How does Melinda describe Heather?
How does Melinda describe Heather?
What does Melinda think about the closet she finds?
What does Melinda think about the closet she finds?
What does the block of ice symbolize?
What does the block of ice symbolize?
Why is David not bullied?
Why is David not bullied?
What does Melinda mean when she says she didn't try hard enough to 'swallow herself'?
What does Melinda mean when she says she didn't try hard enough to 'swallow herself'?
What is Melinda's reaction when her parents say she's too old for trick-or-treating?
What is Melinda's reaction when her parents say she's too old for trick-or-treating?
What does Melinda mean by washing her face until there's nothing left?
What does Melinda mean by washing her face until there's nothing left?
What does 'IT' symbolize for Melinda?
What does 'IT' symbolize for Melinda?
How does Melinda feel about her Spanish homework verbs?
How does Melinda feel about her Spanish homework verbs?
How do Melinda and Heather respond to Job Day?
How do Melinda and Heather respond to Job Day?
Summarize the discussion between Mr. Neck and David Petrakis about immigration.
Summarize the discussion between Mr. Neck and David Petrakis about immigration.
What does Melinda learn from David's silent communication?
What does Melinda learn from David's silent communication?
How is the Thanksgiving dinner ironic?
How is the Thanksgiving dinner ironic?
What does Melinda's turkey bone sculpture represent?
What does Melinda's turkey bone sculpture represent?
Contrast Mr. Neck's and Mr. Freeman's teaching styles?
Contrast Mr. Neck's and Mr. Freeman's teaching styles?
What does Mr. Freeman's painting signify?
What does Mr. Freeman's painting signify?
How do Melinda and David react to the apple lesson?
How do Melinda and David react to the apple lesson?
How does David fight back about freedom of speech?
How does David fight back about freedom of speech?
What does Melinda mean when she compares herself to her parents?
What does Melinda mean when she compares herself to her parents?
Why is Melinda touched by her Christmas gift?
Why is Melinda touched by her Christmas gift?
How is Melinda's Christmas break significant?
How is Melinda's Christmas break significant?
How is Melinda the 'visitor from the Planet Foul Shot'?
How is Melinda the 'visitor from the Planet Foul Shot'?
What does Melinda imply about her life aspirations?
What does Melinda imply about her life aspirations?
How does Melinda help Heather?
How does Melinda help Heather?
Contrast David's and Melinda's reaction to the 'frog' lesson.
Contrast David's and Melinda's reaction to the 'frog' lesson.
How does the winter blizzard synchronize with Melinda's life and emotions?
How does the winter blizzard synchronize with Melinda's life and emotions?
What more is learned about IT in this section?
What more is learned about IT in this section?
What developments occur with Mr. Freeman and his painting?
What developments occur with Mr. Freeman and his painting?
Are there any positives in Melinda's life in this section?
Are there any positives in Melinda's life in this section?
Questions and Answers
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Study Notes
Study Notes
First Day of High School
- Melinda's first day is marked by multiple humiliations: a candy wrapper is shot at her head, she is ignored on the bus, and has food thrown at her during lunch.
- She receives a demerit for wandering the halls without a pass, emphasizing her isolation.
Art and Identity
- Melinda's art project involves drawing a tree that resonates with others, symbolizing her need for self-expression in a constraining environment.
- The statement "Art follows lunch like dream follows nightmare" highlights her view of art as a respite from the trauma of her experiences.
Home Life
- Melinda's relationship with her parents is distant; they primarily communicate through post-it notes, indicating emotional neglect.
- She often feels alone and unsupported at home.
Social Struggles
- Melinda faces difficulties with friends, particularly Rachelle and her ex-friends, leaving her with only Heather, a superficial friendship.
- Her connection with Heather is strained due to their differing personalities; Melinda is introverted and reserved, while Heather seeks popularity.
Escape and Isolation
- Melinda finds solace in a janitor's closet, referred to as her "burrow," where she can escape from her overwhelming reality.
- As Heather bonds with "The Marthas," Melinda becomes increasingly isolated and struggles academically.
The Pep Rally and Self-Perception
- At the pep rally, Melinda faces bullying and scapegoating for an incident from the summer, further marginalizing her at school.
- She critically observes the duality of cheerleaders' behavior, questioning societal perceptions of innocence.
Artistic Expression and Family Dynamics
- Melinda's art reflects her family dynamics, with her turkey bone sculpture serving as a commentary on her dysfunctional home life.
- The Thanksgiving dinner illustrates the family's surface-level unity amid deeper issues.
Teacher Dynamics
- Contrasts are evident between Mr. Freeman's supportive teaching style and Mr. Neck's authoritative approach, with the former fostering student engagement.
- Mr. Freeman's frustrations with administrative constraints are mirrored in Melinda's oppressive school environment.
Personal Growth and Conflict
- David Petrakis represents a voice of reason and fairness, challenging authority in class debates, contrasting with Melinda's sense of helplessness.
- Melinda's reaction to her art and biology lessons reveals her inner turmoil, linking back to her traumatic experiences.
Coping Mechanisms and Reflection
- Melinda uses art to process her emotions but struggles with serious issues, including self-harm and a desire to disappear.
- Seasonal changes, like the winter blizzard, symbolize her emotional state, indicating a build-up of unexpressed pain.
Social Dynamics and Independence
- Melinda's willingness to help Heather by making posters indicates her desire to connect, despite feeling unworthy of friendship.
- The complexity of her feelings toward David suggests a burgeoning awareness of her need for deeper connections.
Final Reflections
- The narrative underlines Melinda's overarching sense of isolation and lack of positive experiences, setting the stage for her potential growth and healing.
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