Podcast
Questions and Answers
In the following excerpt, what does the word wavering mean? 'I'll miss you, man,' Darrell said, his voice wavering.
In the following excerpt, what does the word wavering mean? 'I'll miss you, man,' Darrell said, his voice wavering.
In the following excerpt, what does the word retaliate mean? 'Darrell knew he did not stand a chance against Jeramine in a fight, and he knew if he told one of the adults, Jeramine would retaliate the next time no one was watching.'
In the following excerpt, what does the word retaliate mean? 'Darrell knew he did not stand a chance against Jeramine in a fight, and he knew if he told one of the adults, Jeramine would retaliate the next time no one was watching.'
Who said, 'You wanna build up your muscles, Darrell, do push-ups, run, whatever it takes'?
Who said, 'You wanna build up your muscles, Darrell, do push-ups, run, whatever it takes'?
Uncle Jason
Who said, 'We thought you'd make us a loan, so we don't put your scrawny butt in that trash dumpster over there.'?
Who said, 'We thought you'd make us a loan, so we don't put your scrawny butt in that trash dumpster over there.'?
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Where are Darrell and his mother moving from and where are they going?
Where are Darrell and his mother moving from and where are they going?
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Why are they moving?
Why are they moving?
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How does Darrell feel about moving? Why does he feel this way?
How does Darrell feel about moving? Why does he feel this way?
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Where does Darrell recall being bullied in the past and who was his bully?
Where does Darrell recall being bullied in the past and who was his bully?
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What comments does Uncle Jason make when he sees Darrell?
What comments does Uncle Jason make when he sees Darrell?
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How does Darrell feel about how Uncle Jason regards him?
How does Darrell feel about how Uncle Jason regards him?
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What happens when Darrell attempts to be friendly towards the group of boys standing outside the sandwich shop?
What happens when Darrell attempts to be friendly towards the group of boys standing outside the sandwich shop?
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Why doesn't Darrell like his mom to call him 'baby'?
Why doesn't Darrell like his mom to call him 'baby'?
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In the following excerpt, what does the word clutches mean? 'We freshman'. Darrell turned the phrase over in his mind...He held on to that simple phrase the way a drowning person clutches a rope.
In the following excerpt, what does the word clutches mean? 'We freshman'. Darrell turned the phrase over in his mind...He held on to that simple phrase the way a drowning person clutches a rope.
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What does the word deliberately mean in this excerpt: 'Tyray deliberately stepped on Darrell's foot...Whoops, Sorry Tyray said, acting as innocent as possible.'?
What does the word deliberately mean in this excerpt: 'Tyray deliberately stepped on Darrell's foot...Whoops, Sorry Tyray said, acting as innocent as possible.'?
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Who said, 'Don't worry when you see the boys playn' rough. They're just testin' themselves.'?
Who said, 'Don't worry when you see the boys playn' rough. They're just testin' themselves.'?
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Who said, 'The back of the room seems a bit too distracting for you. Besides people who sit in the front of the room tend to have much better grade point averages than those who sit in the back.'?
Who said, 'The back of the room seems a bit too distracting for you. Besides people who sit in the front of the room tend to have much better grade point averages than those who sit in the back.'?
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What can we conclude about Darrell wishing the checkout line was even slower?
What can we conclude about Darrell wishing the checkout line was even slower?
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How does Amberlynn behave towards Darrell at the supermarket?
How does Amberlynn behave towards Darrell at the supermarket?
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Why does Darrell like it when she says 'we freshman', referring to herself and Darrell?
Why does Darrell like it when she says 'we freshman', referring to herself and Darrell?
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What does Darrell hear happening outside involving his cousins, Travis and Nate? How does he react? How does Uncle Jason react?
What does Darrell hear happening outside involving his cousins, Travis and Nate? How does he react? How does Uncle Jason react?
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What happens between Tyray and Darrell in Mr. Mitchell's class?
What happens between Tyray and Darrell in Mr. Mitchell's class?
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What is Darrell's initial opinion of Mr. Mitchell? How does his opinion change? Why?
What is Darrell's initial opinion of Mr. Mitchell? How does his opinion change? Why?
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Does Darrell enjoy his first lunch period at Bluford High? Why or why not?
Does Darrell enjoy his first lunch period at Bluford High? Why or why not?
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Study Notes
Vocabulary and Definitions
- Wavering: Shaking; indicates Darrell's emotional state of sadness and upset during a farewell.
- Retaliate: To fight back; Darrell refrains from telling adults about Jeramine to avoid further reprisals.
- Clutches: To hold tightly; Darrell clings to the phrase "We Freshman" for support, akin to a drowning person's grip on a rope.
- Deliberately: On purpose; Tyray intentionally steps on Darrell's foot, feigning innocence.
Characters and Interactions
- Uncle Jason: Encourages Darrell to strengthen himself; implies he is a direct influence on Darrell's development.
- Tyray: A school bully who asserts dominance and threatens physical consequences, using intimidation against Darrell.
- Amberlynn: Shows friendliness and connection towards Darrell, making him feel less alone.
Settings and Changes
- Relocation: Darrell and his mother move from Philadelphia to California due to Uncle Jason’s job offer.
- Emotional Impact: Darrell feels angry and sad about leaving friends behind, revealing his attachment to his old life.
Experiences and Reflections
- Past Bullying: Darrell recalls being bullied at camp by Jeramine, illustrating a pattern of silent suffering.
- School Environment: Struggles during his first lunch period at Bluford High where he experiences isolation and rejection from peers.
- Classroom Dynamics: In Mr. Mitchell's class, Darrell’s opinion shifts positively once Tyray is moved, showing the effect of bullying on classroom morale.
Social Dynamics
- Peer Pressure: Darrell experiences ridicule and harassment when attempting to interact with a group of boys at the sandwich shop.
- Familial Support: Uncle Jason highlights the importance of self-defense and resilience, advising Darrell on coping with challenges.
Conclusion
- Identity and Belonging: Darrell finds solace in shared experiences with Amberlynn and the acknowledgment of being a freshman, which alleviates some loneliness.
- Conflict: The fight between Darrell’s cousins reflects family dynamics and loyalty, as Darrell stands up for Nate against Travis.
Studying That Suits You
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Description
Test your understanding of vocabulary from 'The Bully'. This quiz focuses on the meanings of key words like 'wavering' and 'retaliate' as they relate to the emotional context of the story. See how well you grasp the language used in this narrative.
