The Bass, The River, and Sheila Mant - W. D. Wetherell
There was a summer in my life when the only
creature that seemed lovelier to me than a
largemouth bass was Sheila Mant. I was fourteen.
The Mants had rented the cottage next to ours on
the river; with their parties, their frantic games of
softball, their constant comings and goings, they
appeared to me denizens of a brilliant existence.
―Too noisy by half,‖ my mother quickly decided,
but I would have given anything to be invited to one
of their parties, and when my parents went to bed I
would sneak through the woods to their hedge and
stare enchanted at the candlelit swirl of white
dresses and bright, paisley skirts.
Sheila was the middle daughter—at seventeen, all
but out of reach. She would spend her days
sunbathing on a float my Uncle Sierbert had moored
in their cove, and before July was over I had learned
all her moods. If she lay flat on the diving board
with her hand trailing idly in the water, she was
pensive, not to be disturbed. On her side, her head
propped up by her arm, she was observant,
considering those around her with a look that
seemed queenly and severe. Sitting up, arms tucked
around her long, suntanned legs, she was
approachable, but barely, and it was only in those
glorious moments when she stretched herself prior
to entering the water that her various suitors found
the courage to come near.
These were many. The Dartmouth heavyweight
crew would scull by her house on their way upriver,
and I think all eight of them must have been in love
with her at various times during the summer; the
coxswain would curse them through his
megaphone, but without effect—there was always a
pause in their pace when they passed Sheila’s float.
I suppose to these jaded twenty-year-olds she
seemed the incarnation of innocence and youth,
while to me she appeared unutterably suave, the
epitome of sophistication. I was on the swim team
at school, and to win her attention would do endless
laps between my house and the Vermont shore,
hoping she would notice the beauty of my flutter
kick, the power of my crawl. Finishing, I would
boost myself up onto our dock and glance casually
over toward her, but she was never watching, and
the miraculous day she was, I immediately climbed
the diving board and did my best tuck and a half for
her and continued diving until she had left and the
sun went down and my longing was like a madness
and I couldn’t stop.
It was late August by the time I got up the nerve to
ask her out. The tortured will-I’s, won’t-I’s, the
agonized indecision over what to say, the false
starts toward her house and embarrassed retreats—
the details of these have been seared from my
memory, and the only part I remember clearly is
emerging from the woods toward dusk while they
were playing softball on their lawn, as bashful and
frightened as a unicorn.
Sheila was stationed halfway between first and
second, well outside the infield. She didn’t seem
surprised to see me—as a matter of fact, she didn’t
seem to see me at all.
―If you’re playing second base, you should move
closer,‖ I said.
She turned—I took the full brunt of her long red
hair and well-spaced freckles.
―I’m playing outfield,‖ she said, ―I don’t like the
responsibility of having a base.‖
―Yeah, I can understand that,‖ I said, though I
couldn’t. ―There’s a band in Dixford tomorrow
night at nine. Want to go?‖
One of her brothers sent the ball sailing over the
left-fielder’s head; she stood and watched it
disappear toward the river.
―You have a car?‖ she said, without looking up.
Scull – row, as in a rowboat.
Coxswain – person steering a racing shell and calling out the
rhythm of the strokes for the crew.
Epitome – embodiment; one that is representative of a type or
class.
2
I played my master stroke. ―We’ll go by canoe.‖
I spent all of the following day polishing it. I turned
it upside down on our lawn and rubbed every inch
with Brillo, hosing off the dirt, wiping it with
chamois until it gleamed as bright as aluminum
ever gleamed. About five, I slid it into the water,
arranging cushions near the bow so Sheila could
lean on them if she was in one of her pensive
moods, propping up my father’s transistor radio by
the middle thwart so we could have music when
we came back. Automatically, without thinking
about it, I mounted my Mitchell reel on my Pfleuger
spinning rod and stuck it in the stern.
I say automatically, because I never went anywhere
that summer without a fishing rod. When I wasn’t
swimming laps to impress Sheila, I was back in our
driveway practicing casts, and when I wasn’t
practicing casts, I was tying the line to Tosca, our
springer spaniel, to test the reel’s drag, and when I
wasn’t doing any of those things, I was fishing the
river for bass.
Too nervous to sit at home, I got in the canoe early
and started paddling in a huge circle that would get
me to Sheila’s dock around eight. As automatically
as I brought along my rod, I tied on a big Rapala
plug, let it down into the water, let out some line,
and immediately forgot all about it.
It was already dark by the time I glided up to the
Mants’ dock. Even by day the river was quiet, most
of the summer people preferring Sunapee or one of
the other nearby lakes, and at night it was a solitude
difficult to believe, a corridor of hidden life that ran
between banks like a tunnel. Even the stars were
part of it. They weren’t as sharp anywhere else; they
seemed to have chosen the river as a guide on their
slow wheel toward morning, and in the course of
the summer’s fishing, I had learned all their names.
I was there ten minutes before Sheila appeared. I
heard the slam of their screen door first, then saw
her in the spotlight as she came slowly down the
path. As beautiful as she was on the float, she was
even lovelier now—her white dress went perfectly
with her hair, and complimented her figure even
more than her swimsuit.
It was her face that bothered me. It had on its
delightful fullness a very dubious expression.
―Look,‖ she said. ―I can get Dad’s car.‖
―It’s faster this way,‖ I lied. ―Parking’s tense up
there. Hey, it’s safe. I won’t tip it or anything.‖
She let herself down reluctantly into the bow. I was
glad she wasn’t facing me. When her eyes were on
me, I felt like diving in the river again from agony
and joy.
I pried the canoe away from the dock and started
paddling upstream. There was an extra paddle in the
bow, but Sheila made no move to pick it up. She
took her shoes off and dangled her feet over the
side.
Ten minutes went by.
―What kind of band?‖ she said.
―It’s sort of like folk music. You’ll like it.‖
―Eric Caswell’s going to be there. He strokes
number four.‖
―No kidding?‖ I said. I had no idea whom she
meant.
―What’s that sound?‖ she said, pointing toward
shore.
―Bass. That splashing sound?‖
―Over there.‖
―Yeah, bass. They come into the shallows at night
to chase frogs and moths and things. Big
largemouths. Micropterus salmoides,‖ I added,
showing off.
Chamois – soft leather used for polishing.
Middle thwart – brace across the middle of a canoe.
Micropterus salmoides – the scientific name for a largemouth bass.
9 answers
The passage you’ve provided from "The Bass, The River, and Sheila Mant" by W.D. Wetherell explores themes of adolescence, infatuation, and the contrasts between youth and the allure of maturity. The narrator, a boy of fourteen, is captivated by Sheila Mant, a seventeen-year-old girl who represents both an ideal of beauty and a challenge, as she stands slightly out of his reach.
Summary of Key Themes and Elements:
Adolescence and Infatuation: The narrator's feelings for Sheila are intense and consuming. He observes her closely, learning her moods and trying to get her attention. His longing, depicted as "like a madness," emphasizes the intensity of young love.
Contrast between Youth and Maturity: Sheila is portrayed as sophisticated and worldly, surrounded by older suitors. While the narrator is immersed in his youthful world of swimming and fishing, Sheila embodies a more adult vibe that fascinates him.
Nature and the Setting: The river serves as a backdrop that mirrors the narrator's emotions. It symbolizes both beauty and mystery. The tranquility of the river at night contrasts sharply with the narrator's inner turmoil and excitement as he prepares for the date with Sheila.
Struggle for Identity: The narrator wishes to prove himself to Sheila, going to great lengths to prepare for their outing. The careful preparation of the canoe and his fishing gear hints at his desire to merge his interests with what he believes will impress her.
Social Dynamics: The description of Sheila’s family and their activities—lively parties and games—contrasts with the narrator's quieter life. His desire to be included in that world highlights feelings of exclusion and longing.
Analysis of Characterization:
Narrator: He is depicted as earnest and insecure, grappling with his admiration for Sheila and his own youthful identity. His internal dialogue reveals a mix of excitement and anxiety, portraying the struggles of adolescence.
Sheila Mant: She represents the epitome of teenage beauty and sophistication, yet there's a hint of aloofness that intrigues the narrator. Her character, while alluring, also exhibits a sense of independence, which can be intimidating to the younger boy.
Symbolism of the Fishing Rod:
The fishing rod symbolizes not just an interest in fishing but also serves as a metaphor for the narrator's indirect longing for connection and achievement. Fishing represents his personal passions, while his attention to the rod during their date indicates a tug-of-war between his interests and the need to pursue a romantic relationship.
Final Impression:
The excerpt captivates readers with its blend of nostalgia and the bittersweet nature of first love. Wetherell beautifully captures the essence of youthful dreams, the complicated feelings of infatuation, and the often painful journey of growing up. The eventual choices the narrator must face regarding his passions, relationships, and identity are left to be explored as the story unfolds.
―I think fishing’s dumb,‖ she said, making a face. ―I
mean, it’s boring and all. Definitely dumb.‖
Now I have spent a great deal of time in the years
since wondering why Sheila Mant should come
down so hard on fishing. Was her father a
fisherman? Her antipathy toward fishing nothing
more than normal filial rebellion? Had she tried it
once? A messy encounter with worms? It doesn’t
matter. What does is that at that fragile moment in
time I would have given anything not to appear
dumb in Sheila’s severe and unforgiving eyes.
She hadn’t seen my equipment yet. What I should
have done, of course, was push the canoe in closer
to shore and carefully slide the rod into some
branches where I could pick it up again in the
morning. Failing that, I could have surreptitiously
dumped the whole outfit overboard, written off the
forty or so dollars as love’s tribute. What I actually
did do was gently lean forward, and slowly, ever so
slowly, push the rod back through my legs toward
the stern where it would be less conspicuous.
It must have been just exactly what the bass was
waiting for. Fish will trail a lure sometimes, trying
to make up their mind whether or not to attack, and
the slight pause in the plug’s speed caused by my
adjustment was tantalizing enough to overcome the
bass’s inhibitions. My rod, safely out of sight at last,
bent double. The line, tightly coiled, peeled off the
spool with the shrill, tearing zip of a high-speed
drill.
Four things occurred to me at once. One, that it was
a bass. Two, that it was a big bass. Three, that it was
the biggest bass I had ever hooked. Four, that Sheila
Mant must not know. ―What was that?‖ she said,
turning half around.
―Uh, what was what?‖
―That buzzing noise.‖
―Bats.‖
She shuddered, quickly drew her feet back into the
canoe. Every instinct I had told me to pick up the
rod and strike back at the bass, but there was no
need to—it was already solidly hooked.
Downstream, an awesome distance downstream, it
jumped clear of the water, landing with a
concussion heavy enough to ripple the entire river.
For a moment, I thought it was gone, but then the
rod was bending again, the tip dancing into the
water. Slowly, not making any motion that might
alert Sheila, I reached down to tighten the drag.
While all this was going on, Sheila had begun
talking, and it was a few minutes before I was able
to catch up with her train of thought.
―I went to a party there. These fraternity men.
Katherine says I could get in there if I wanted. I’m
thinking more of UVM or Bennington. Somewhere
I can ski.‖
The bass was slanting toward the rocks on the New
Hampshire side by the ruins of Donaldson’s
boathouse. It had to be an old bass—a young one
probably wouldn’t have known the rocks were
there. I brought the canoe back into the middle of
the river, hoping to head it off.
―That’s neat,‖ I mumbled. ―Skiing. Yeah, I can see
that.‖
―Eric said I have the figure to model, but I thought I
should get an education first. I mean, it might be a
while before I get started and all. I was thinking of
getting my hair styled, more swept back? I mean,
Ann-Margret? Like hers, only shorter.‖
She hesitated. ―Are we going backward?‖
We were. I had managed to keep the bass in the
middle of the river away from the rocks, but it had
plenty of room there, and for the first time a chance
to exert its full strength. I quickly computed the
weight necessary to draw a fully loaded canoe
backward—the thought of it made me feel faint.
―It’s just the current,‖ I said hoarsely. ―No sweat or
anything.‖
UVM or Bennington – University of Vermont or Bennington
College, Bennington Vermont.
Ann-Margret – (1941- ) Movie star, very popular at the time of this
story.
4
I dug in deeper with my paddle. Reassured, Sheila
began talking about something else, but all my
attention was taken up now with the fish. I could
feel its desperation as the water grew shallower. I
could sense the extra strain on the line, the frantic
way it cut back and forth in the water. I could
visualize what it looked like—the gape of its mouth,
the flared gills and thick, vertical tail. The bass
couldn’t have encountered many forces in its long
life that it wasn’t capable of handling, and the
unrelenting tug at its mouth must have been a
source of great puzzlement and mounting panic.
Me, I had problems of my own. To get to Dixford, I
had to paddle up a sluggish stream that came into
the river beneath a covered bridge. There was a
shallow sandbar at the mouth of this stream—weeds
on one side, rocks on the other. Without doubt, this
is where I would lose the fish.
―I have to be careful with my complexion. I tan, but
in segments. I can’t figure out if it’s even worth it. I
wouldn’t even do it probably. I saw Jackie
Kennedy in Boston, and she wasn’t tan at all.‖
Taking a deep breath, I paddled as hard as I could
for the middle, deepest part of the bar. I could have
threaded the eye of a needle with the canoe, but the
pull on the stern threw me off, and I
overcompensated—the canoe veered left and
scraped bottom. I pushed the paddle down and
shoved. A moment of hesitation . . . a moment
more. . . . The canoe shot clear into the deeper water
of the stream. I immediately looked down at the
rod. It was bent in the same tight arc—
miraculously, the bass was still on.
The moon was out now. It was low and full enough
that its beam shone directly on Sheila there ahead of
me in the canoe, washing her in a creamy, luminous
glow. I could see the lithe, easy shape of her figure.
I could see the way her hair curled down off her
shoulders, the proud, alert tilt of her head, and all
these things were as a tug on my heart. Not just
Sheila, but the aura she carried about her of parties
and casual touchings and grace. Behind me, I could
feel the strain of the bass, steadier now, growing
weaker, and this was another tug on my heart, not
just the bass but the beat of the river and the slant of
the stars and the smell of the night, until finally it
seemed I would be torn apart between longings,
split in half. Twenty yards ahead of us was the road,
and once I pulled the canoe up on shore, the bass
would be gone, irretrievably gone. If instead I stood
up, grabbed the rod, and started pumping, I would
have it—as tired as the bass was, there was no
chance it could get away. I reached down for the
rod, hesitated, looked up to where Sheila was
stretching herself lazily toward the sky, her small
breasts rising beneath the soft fabric of her dress,
and the tug was too much for me, and quicker than
it takes to write down, I pulled a penknife from my
pocket and cut the line in half.
With a sick, nauseous feeling in my stomach, I saw
the rod unbend.
―My legs are sore,‖ Sheila whined. ―Are we there
yet?‖
Through a superhuman effort of self-control, I was
able to beach the canoe and help Sheila off. The rest
of the night is much foggier. We walked to the
fair—there was the smell of popcorn, the sound of
guitars. I may have danced once or twice with her,
but all I really remember is her coming over to me
once the music was done to explain that she would
be going home in Eric Caswell’s Corvette.
―Okay,‖ I mumbled.
For the first time that night she looked at me, really
looked at me.
―You’re a funny kid, you know that?‖
Funny. Different. Dreamy. Odd. How many times
was I to hear that in the years to come, all spoken
with the same quizzical, half-accusatory tone Sheila
used then. Poor Sheila! Before the month was over,
the spell she cast over me was gone, but the
memory of that lost bass haunted me all summer
and haunts me still. There would be other Sheila
Mants in my life, other fish, and though I came
close once or twice, it was these secret, hidden
tuggings in the night that claimed me, and I never
made the same mistake again.
Jackie Kennedy (1929-1994)First Lady during the administration of
President John F. Kennedy; greatly admired by the public for her dignity
and sense of style.
After reading The Bass, The River, and Sheila Mant, summarize the story in 5-7 sentences. In your summary, identify the main characters, the setting, and the conflict. At the end of your summary, explain a possible theme from the story and how it relates to your own life or society.
In "The Bass, The River, and Sheila Mant," the story centers on a fourteen-year-old boy who develops a deep infatuation with Sheila Mant, a captivating seventeen-year-old girl vacationing next door. Set against the backdrop of a serene river during a summer filled with youthful longing, the narrator often observes Sheila as she embodies sophistication and allure. The primary conflict arises when the boy must choose between impressing Sheila and pursuing his passion for fishing, particularly when he hooks a massive bass during their canoe trip to a local dance. Ultimately, he sacrifices the fish, cutting the line to prevent Sheila from discovering his interest in fishing, which she finds unappealing. This decision leads to a bittersweet realization of lost opportunity and the pain of unrequited affection. A possible theme of the story is the tension between personal passions and the desire for social acceptance, as the narrator's choice reflects the struggle many individuals face while navigating the complexities of growing up and relationships. This theme resonates with my own experiences of prioritizing friendships and romantic interests over personal hobbies, ultimately leading to moments of regret and reflection on what truly matters in life.
For each of your choices, provide a definition of the word, then explain how you could determine the definition of the word in the story without using a dictionary. Next, write two sentences of your own creation, each using one of the words that you picked. At least one of the sentences should also include an example of figurative language (e.g. simile, metaphor, or personification).
Write a different conclusion to The Bass, the River, and Sheila Mant. This new conclusion should be written in either the third-person or from the first-person perspective of Sheila Mant. Your new conclusion should be at least seven sentences long and include at least one dialogue exchange. The conclusion will be evaluated based upon its use of precise word choice and the strength of its resolution. (4 points)
Imagine that you are a teacher designing a Speaking & Listening assignment related to The Bass, the River, and Sheila Mant. Come up with four possible discussion questions. One of these questions should be an Analysis question. One question should be a Compare/Contrast question. One question should be a Cause/Effect question. One question should be a Clarification question. Provide your own answer to each of these questions.
Consider one of the books you finished for independent reading this semester. Pick one of the four previous questions you answered on this exam and substitute this book in place of The Bass, the River, and Sheila Mant. Now answer the question using the book your chose. For example: If you picked question one, summarize your book and explain its theme. If you picked question two, identify and define two vocabulary words from your book and use them in sentences of your own. (These should be words that you didn't know before reading the book) If you picked question three, write a new conclusion to your book using a different perspective and at least one dialogue exchange. If you picked question four, write and answer four speaking & listening questions related to your book. In all cases, make sure that you follow all of the original directions, including sentence length requirements.
Vocabulary Choices
Antipathy
Definition: A deep-seated feeling of aversion or dislike.
Determination: In the story, Sheila expresses her disdain for fishing, calling it "dumb." From her tone and context in which she speaks about fishing, one can infer that she holds a strong dislike for the activity, which aligns with the definition of antipathy.
Sentences: His antipathy towards mornings was evident as he rolled over, reluctant to leave the comfort of his warm bed. Like a storm cloud blocking the sun, her antipathy towards his suggestion cast a shadow over their conversation.
Tantalizing
Definition: Tempting or teasing someone by showing something that is unobtainable.
Determination: The word is used when referring to the bass's interest in the lure, suggesting its enticement. The scene where the fish hesitates to bite implies that it is drawn to the bait, which readers can deduce illustrates the idea of something being desirable yet just out of reach.
Sentences: The tantalizing aroma of freshly baked cookies wafted through the air, making it hard to resist a taste. The prospect of adventure was tantalizing, like a shimmering oasis beckoning from the horizon.
New Conclusion from Sheila Mant's Perspective
As Sheila leaned back against the cool wood of the canoe, she noticed the flickering stars reflecting on the river’s surface. “You know,” she began, her voice soft, “I’ve never understood why anyone would find fishing exciting. It just seems so boring.” The boy beside her, his hands tense on the paddle, didn’t respond, and she turned to find him lost in thought. "Are you even listening?" she asked, a playful edge to her tone.
He looked at her, his eyes wide like a deer caught in headlights. “Um, yeah,” he stammered, “I was just thinking about… something.” She noticed a flicker of disappointment in his gaze every time she spoke about parties and glamour. As the night deepened, those contemplative moments made her wonder about their connection—if only he could come out of his shell. She reached over and playfully nudged him, “Let’s just enjoy the night, okay? Who needs fish when we have this?” She smiled, realizing that sometimes, it was the shared experience that mattered the most.
Discussion Questions
Analysis Question: How does the narrator's internal conflict reflect the theme of growing up in the story? Answer: The narrator's internal conflict between his passion for fishing and his desire to impress Sheila showcases the struggle many face during adolescence. This theme of growing up is evident as he learns that sacrifices in relationships often lead to regret and understanding of self-identity.
Compare/Contrast Question: Compare Sheila's character with the narrator's in terms of their views on maturity. Answer: Sheila embodies a sense of maturity that is associated with social status and sophistication, while the narrator reflects the innocence and insecurity of youth. Their contrasting perspectives highlight the disparity between their ages and life experiences, leading to the narrator's internal struggle to fit into her world.
Cause/Effect Question: What are the effects of Sheila’s comments about fishing on the narrator’s actions? Answer: Sheila’s dismissive comments about fishing lead the narrator to hide his passion and prioritize her approval over his interests. This decision ultimately results in a significant loss of the bass he hooked, symbolizing the sacrifices made in the pursuit of her affection.
Clarification Question: What does the bass symbolize in the story? Answer: The bass symbolizes the narrator’s desires and the choices he faces between personal passion and social acceptance. It becomes a representation of the opportunities and connections he ultimately sacrifices for the sake of trying to gain Sheila's approval.
Independent Reading Connection
Book Chosen: Wonder by RJ Palacio
Analysis Question: How does Auggie's internal conflict reflect the theme of acceptance in the story? Answer: Auggie’s internal conflict regarding his appearance and his desire for acceptance from his peers illustrate the struggles faced by individuals with differences in society. Throughout the book, Auggie learns that true acceptance comes not just from how one looks but from the kindness and character demonstrated by oneself and others.
can you do each of them separately
Certainly! Here are each of your requests presented separately:
Vocabulary Choices
Antipathy
Definition: A deep-seated feeling of aversion or dislike.
Determination: In the story, Sheila expresses her disdain for fishing, calling it "dumb." From her tone and the context in which she speaks about fishing, one can infer that she holds a strong dislike for the activity, which aligns with the definition of antipathy.
Sentences:
His antipathy towards mornings was evident as he rolled over, reluctant to leave the comfort of his warm bed.
Like a storm cloud blocking the sun, her antipathy toward his suggestion cast a shadow over their conversation.
Tantalizing
Definition: Tempting or teasing someone by showing something that is unobtainable.
Determination: The word is used when referring to the bass's interest in the lure, suggesting its enticement. The scene where the fish hesitates to bite implies that it is drawn to the bait, which readers can deduce illustrates the idea of something being desirable yet just out of reach.
Sentences:
The tantalizing aroma of freshly baked cookies wafted through the air, making it hard to resist a taste.
The prospect of adventure was tantalizing, like a shimmering oasis beckoning from the horizon.
New Conclusion from Sheila Mant's Perspective
As Sheila leaned back against the cool wood of the canoe, she noticed the flickering stars reflecting on the river’s surface. “You know,” she began, her voice soft, “I’ve never understood why anyone would find fishing exciting. It just seems so boring.” The boy beside her, his hands tense on the paddle, didn’t respond, and she turned to find him lost in thought. "Are you even listening?" she asked, a playful edge to her tone.
He looked at her, his eyes wide like a deer caught in headlights. “Um, yeah,” he stammered, “I was just thinking about… something.” She noticed a flicker of disappointment in his gaze every time she spoke about parties and glamour. As the night deepened, those contemplative moments made her wonder about their connection—if only he could come out of his shell. She reached over and playfully nudged him, “Let’s just enjoy the night, okay? Who needs fish when we have this?” She smiled, realizing that sometimes, it was the shared experience that mattered the most.
Discussion Questions
Analysis Question: How does the narrator's internal conflict reflect the theme of growing up in the story? Answer: The narrator's internal conflict between his passion for fishing and his desire to impress Sheila showcases the struggle many face during adolescence. This theme of growing up is evident as he learns that sacrifices in relationships often lead to regret and understanding of self-identity.
Compare/Contrast Question: Compare Sheila's character with the narrator's in terms of their views on maturity. Answer: Sheila embodies a sense of maturity that is associated with social status and sophistication, while the narrator reflects the innocence and insecurity of youth. Their contrasting perspectives highlight the disparity between their ages and life experiences, leading to the narrator's internal struggle to fit into her world.
Cause/Effect Question: What are the effects of Sheila’s comments about fishing on the narrator’s actions? Answer: Sheila’s dismissive comments about fishing lead the narrator to hide his passion and prioritize her approval over his interests. This decision ultimately results in a significant loss of the bass he hooked, symbolizing the sacrifices made in the pursuit of her affection.
Clarification Question: What does the bass symbolize in the story? Answer: The bass symbolizes the narrator’s desires and the choices he faces between personal passion and social acceptance. It becomes a representation of the opportunities and connections he ultimately sacrifices for the sake of trying to gain Sheila's approval.
Independent Reading Connection
Book Chosen: Wonder by RJ Palacio
Analysis Question: How does Auggie's internal conflict reflect the theme of acceptance in the story? Answer: Auggie’s internal conflict regarding his appearance and his desire for acceptance from his peers illustrate the struggles faced by individuals with differences in society. Throughout the book, Auggie learns that true acceptance comes not just from how one looks but from the kindness and character demonstrated by oneself and others.
For each of your choices, provide a definition of the word, then explain how you could determine the definition of the word in the story without using a dictionary. Next, write two sentences of your own creation, each using one of the words that you picked. At least one of the sentences should also include an example of figurative language (e.g. simile, metaphor, or personification).
Write a different conclusion to The Bass, the River, and Sheila Mant. This new conclusion should be written in either the third-person or from the first-person perspective of Sheila Mant. Your new conclusion should be at least seven sentences long and include at least one dialogue exchange. The conclusion will be evaluated based upon its use of precise word choice and the strength of its resolution. (4 points)
Imagine that you are a teacher designing a Speaking & Listening assignment related to The Bass, the River, and Sheila Mant. Come up with four possible discussion questions. One of these questions should be an Analysis question. One question should be a Compare/Contrast question. One question should be a Cause/Effect question. One question should be a Clarification question. Provide your own answer to each of these questions.
Consider one of the books you finished for independent reading this semester. Pick one of the four previous questions you answered on this exam and substitute this book in place of The Bass, the River, and Sheila Mant. Now answer the question using the book your chose. For example: If you picked question one, summarize your book and explain its theme. If you picked question two, identify and define two vocabulary words from your book and use them in sentences of your own. (These should be words that you didn't know before reading the book) If you picked question three, write a new conclusion to your book using a different perspective and at least one dialogue exchange. If you picked question four, write and answer four speaking & listening questions related to your book. In all cases, make sure that you follow all of the original directions, including sentence length requirements.
put each of the questions answers in a different paragraph
Vocabulary Choices
Antipathy
Definition: A deep-seated feeling of aversion or dislike.
Determination: The narrator describes Sheila's strong negative reaction to fishing, stating, “I think fishing’s dumb.” From her words and the facial expressions she makes while saying them, it’s clear that she does not just find fishing uninteresting but actively detests it.
Sentences:
His antipathy towards the noisy neighbors made him dread every summer evening.
The little boy’s antipathy for broccoli was as clear as a thundercloud looming over a sunny day.
Tantalizing
Definition: Tempting or teasing someone by showing something that is unobtainable.
Determination: In the story, the narrator talks about how the bass is drawn to the lure, indicating that it is being tantalized. The bass's hesitation before biting represents the idea of being tempted without having the opportunity to fully obtain what it desires.
Sentences:
The tantalizing scent of fresh popcorn wafting through the air made it impossible to concentrate on my homework.
As the night deepened, the stars twinkled in the sky like tantalizing jewels just out of reach.
New Conclusion from Sheila Mant's Perspective
As Sheila leaned back in the canoe, she glanced at the boy paddling with determination, a slight frown creasing her brow. “You know,” she said, breaking the stillness, “I really don’t get why you’re so into fishing. It seems so boring.” He paused, his paddle hesitating in the water as though her words had caused a ripple in the serenity of the moment. “I guess it’s just not for everyone,” he replied, attempting a smile.
Sheila noticed his eyes drift toward the water, and for a moment, she felt a pang of empathy. “Maybe one day I’ll understand your passion,” she added, her tone softening. The moonlight shimmered on the surface behind them, illuminating the tension that hung in the air. She found herself wondering why he cared so much about impressing her and realized how little they related on this outing. “Let’s just enjoy the night,” she suggested, hoping to shift the mood. “Who needs fish when we have this?”
Discussion Questions
Analysis Question: How does the narrator's internal conflict reflect the theme of growing up in the story? Answer: The narrator's internal conflict between his passion for fishing and his desire to impress Sheila showcases the struggle many face during adolescence. This theme of growing up is evident as he learns that sacrifices in relationships often lead to regret and a deeper understanding of self-identity.
Compare/Contrast Question: Compare Sheila's character with the narrator's in terms of their views on maturity. Answer: Sheila embodies a sense of maturity that is associated with social status and sophistication, while the narrator reflects the innocence and insecurity of youth. Their contrasting perspectives highlight the disparity between their ages and life experiences, leading to the narrator's internal struggle to fit into her world.
Cause/Effect Question: What are the effects of Sheila’s comments about fishing on the narrator’s actions? Answer: Sheila’s dismissive comments about fishing lead the narrator to hide his passion and prioritize her approval over his interests. This decision ultimately results in a significant loss of the bass he hooked, symbolizing the sacrifices made in the pursuit of her affection.
Clarification Question: What does the bass symbolize in the story? Answer: The bass symbolizes the narrator’s desires and the choices he faces between personal passion and social acceptance. It becomes a representation of the opportunities and connections he ultimately sacrifices for the sake of trying to gain Sheila's approval.
Independent Reading Connection
Book Chosen: The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Analysis Question: How does Starr's internal conflict reflect the theme of identity in the story? Answer: Starr struggles to navigate her life between the world of her predominantly Black neighborhood and the predominantly white prep school she attends. This internal conflict highlights the theme of identity as she learns to assert her voice and embrace all parts of herself while facing the challenges of societal expectations and personal relationships.
5 answers