Black Boy worksheet 1

Chapter 1: pages 3-35

Pages 4-6

1. What words best describe (summarize) Richard’s predicament in this opening scene?

2. Why would Wright want to use this scene to begin his story?

3. What might we predict about other ways Richard will be trapped or confused or in trouble if he is not quiet?

Pages 7-9

4. Write down one item from the list of random memories that Richard has, that is somewhat similar to a memory that you have of your own life.

5. Make a short list of five items or memories when you try to remember what your life was like when you were 9 or 10 years old.

6. What can we infer about when and where Richard grew up?

Pages 34-35

7. Two paragraphs (when Richard fast forwards into the future) show the reader what became of his father. Write down the two sentences where the emphasis is on showing the reader what he remembers.

8. Write down the two sentences where the emphasis is on telling the reader what is important about what he remembers.

9. Richard refers to his brother as his father’s “other son.” Why has Richard not told us his brother’s name?

10. Compare and contrast the situation of Richard’s father in these two paragraphs with Richard’s situation in the opening scene of the book.