Acquaintance with Darkness
By, Ann Rinaldi
Chapter 3 “Uncle Valentine”
Chapter 4 “Robert”
Word Wizard
Agitated, tarnish, disheveled
He was half an hour late and agitated.
Name a synonym for the word agitated in this sentence. ___________________
What does tarnish mean in the following sentence?
“It upsets me that you would try and tarnish the name of my old friend.”
What does tarnish mean in the following sentence?
He looked disheveled and angry.
Discussion Questions
Describe Uncle Valentine.
What was mama’s request to Emily?
What is the relationship between mama and Uncle Valentine?
What do mama and Uncle Valentine argue about during his visit?
Who is at the Surratts’ house and what is Emily’s first impression of him?
Who is Maude? Why does Emily lie to mama about Maude?
What important event during the Civil War happens in the chapter? What does this mean?
How was life different for Emily when she lived in the south?
How did Robert end up with Uncle Valentine?
Why do you think mama hated Uncle Valentine so much?
Illustrator
In this chapter General Lee surrenders to General Grant. The author describes what the mood was like in Washington. She describes what downtown looked like with all of the celebration. Using the description on page 32-33 illustrate a pictures of what it would have looked like to Emily when she went to buy the newspaper.
History Connection
What can you find out about the two Generals in the Civil War. Check out these web sites and write a brief summary on each General.
http://www.pocanticohills.org/civilwar/leaders.htm