TEXT-DEPENDENT QUESTIONS, SET II (TDQs)
NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH TDQs
CHAPTER 4.
Character Analysis: Re-read the exchange between Narwin and Philip involving Philip’s answer to Narwin’s test question; what does each character response tell us about each of the characters? (I’m looking for one paragraph for each, delving deeply into the character development of each). (1 page)
CHAPTER 7.
Character Analysis: Philip receives his grades and proceeds to offer his interpretation of his schooling. At the end of the passage, he recounts the achievements of a runner and states, “I’d give anything if I could be like him” (19). What is ironic about this statement? What does it reveal of Philip’s character that he has just spent two pages discussing why he shouldn’t have to work hard, but does not see that the person whom he admires has worked hard for his goals? (1 page)
CHAPTER 8.
Discuss the significance of Philip going to a male coach in hopes of his talking to Narwin on Philip’s behalf. Does it have connections to one of the feminist interpretations of the novel’s themes we’ve discussed? Why or why not? (1 page)
CHAPTER 9 (first half).
Discuss the difference between Philip’s parents and their approach to school/sports responsibilities in their private interaction (26-27). With whom do you agree? Why? (1 page)
THEME ANALYSIS.
We’ve covered Ellman’s interpretation of First Wave Feminism and Showalter’s interpretation of Second Wave. Connect one aspect of the novel thus far (from any chapters, 1-9) to one of the Waves discussed in class. In what way do you see the themes being explored in the novel? Aspects to consider: The treatment of female v. male teachers; Philip’s parents’ role in their family; Philip’s treatment of female students v. male students; the language of the official Memos, to name a few. (1 page)