TROUBLING STAR by Madeline L’Engle

Choose two questions from each level. Answer each question using details and examples from the story.

Level 1

  • What is Vicky’s wonderful gift from Adam’s great-aunt?
  • What was Prince Otto trying to do for his country?
  • Did Vicky trust Cook? How do you know?
  • From where is Vicky telling her story?

Level 2

  • Describe how San Sebastian changed from the time of El Zarco to the rule of Guedder.
  • Summarize why all of the people are going to Antarctica.
  • Tell in your own words about the economic climate in Zlatovica.
  • Explain why Vicky Scotch taped her zipper.

Level 3

  • Would you have shown your parents the letter and postcard? Why or why not”
  • Would you have written to Adam as openly as Vicky did?
  • At what point would you have understood Esteban’s role?
  • Can you show that Vicky was well-warned of danger? Explain

Level 4

  • How is the Argosy like a world?
  • Analyze the consequences of the Spanish teacher’s connection to the Vespagian.
  • Compare/contrast how Otto and Esteban change.
  • Discuss Esteban as a “patriot.”
  • Speculate on the importance of Adam’s “brush-off” letter to Vicky’s subsequent actions.
  • How would your parents’ reaction compare to Vicky’s parents’ reaction concerning permission for the trip?

Level 5

  • Draw a map of and plot Vicky’s route of travel from her home state to Le Noir Station.
  • Write a 300 word essay to inform your class about penguins.
  • How could the story change if Esteban knew English better?
  • Write an article for the Business Section of your hometown newspaper based on the facts you learned about Antarctica in the story. The title of your article is “Antarctica: New Frontier.”
  • Put together 10 to 15 interview questions to ask Guedder about his plan for the Antarctic. Be sure your questions get at the facts.
  • Develop a better warning from Adam to Vicky, if one is possible.

Level 6

  • Who is the villain in the story? Explain
  • Do patriots make the best soldiers? Explain
  • Criticize blind nationalism.
  • Justify keeping Antarctica a world preserve and outline a plan.
  • What do you think of Vicky’s intelligence? Explain
  • Would the story have been better if Vicky did not tell it from the iceberg? Where else could she tell it from? Explain.