Independent Novel Unit: Level 2 Questions
Book Title and Author’s Name: “The Poet X” - Elizabeth Acevedo
1. If the time or place switches around during the book, explain how and give examples. How does this switching serve the story?
2. What is the general feeling or mood of the book? Give specific examples of how the author creates that feeling or mood.
3. Compare and contrast two characters psychologically (the way they think and make decisions). To do this, consider their behavior and personality. Consider whether their physical selves support or contrast with their psychological selves.
4. Give an example of a significant conflict or conflicts between two characters (external conflict) or between a character and his/her conscience (internal conflict).
5. Who is the narrator of the story? Is s/he inside or outside the story? What is her/his relationship to the story?
6. Is the book written in the first or third person (I or s/he)? How does that affect the story?
7. Explain the organization of the book. How is it important to the story?
8. What is your reaction to a relationship, event, socio-cultural behavior or message/theme of the book? Be clear about what you are reacting to and exactly what makes you respond as you do.
9. Choose a sentence or phrase that attracts you. Explain why you chose it, its value in the book and its value to you.
Book Title and Author’s Name: “The Poet X” - Elizabeth Acevedo
1. If the time or place switches around during the book, explain how and give examples. How does this switching serve the story?
2. What is the general feeling or mood of the book? Give specific examples of how the author creates that feeling or mood.
3. Compare and contrast two characters psychologically (the way they think and make decisions). To do this, consider their behavior and personality. Consider whether their physical selves support or contrast with their psychological selves.
4. Give an example of a significant conflict or conflicts between two characters (external conflict) or between a character and his/her conscience (internal conflict).
5. Who is the narrator of the story? Is s/he inside or outside the story? What is her/his relationship to the story?
6. Is the book written in the first or third person (I or s/he)? How does that affect the story?
7. Explain the organization of the book. How is it important to the story?
8. What is your reaction to a relationship, event, socio-cultural behavior or message/theme of the book? Be clear about what you are reacting to and exactly what makes you respond as you do.
9. Choose a sentence or phrase that attracts you. Explain why you chose it, its value in the book and its value to you.
Answers & Comments
Answer:
1. The book does not have a clear time or place setting as it is set in contemporary times and takes place in various locations such as school, home, and church. The switching between different locations and time periods is done through the use of poetry and the protagonist's journal entries, which serve to provide insight into her thoughts and emotions.
2. The general feeling or mood of the book is one of intense emotion and introspection. The author creates this mood through the use of poetic language and vivid descriptions of the protagonist's experiences and feelings. For example, the protagonist's struggles with her faith and her relationship with her mother are described in a way that conveys the depth of her emotions.
3. One possible comparison could be between the protagonist, Xiomara, and her twin brother, Xavier. Xiomara is shown to be more rebellious and outspoken, while Xavier is more reserved and obedient. Xiomara's physical appearance, with her muscular build and darker skin tone, contrasts with the more delicate and lighter-skinned Xavier. These differences reflect their contrasting personalities and approaches to life.
4. A significant conflict in the book is between Xiomara and her mother. Xiomara feels constrained by her mother's strict religious beliefs and expectations, and this creates tension between them. The conflict is both internal and external, as Xiomara struggles with her own beliefs and desires while also trying to navigate her relationship with her mother.
5. The narrator of the story is Xiomara, and she is both inside and outside the story. She is a participant in the events of the story, but she also provides commentary and reflection on those events through her poetry and journal entries.
6. The book is written in the first person, which allows the reader to experience the story through Xiomara's perspective and to gain insight into her thoughts and feelings.
7. The book is organized into several sections, each of which is introduced with a poem that sets the tone for the upcoming events. This organization serves to provide structure to the story and to highlight the key themes and emotions that the author is exploring.
8. This question is asking for a personal reaction, so I cannot provide a specific answer. However, the book deals with themes such as identity, family, and faith, and it may prompt readers to reflect on their own experiences and beliefs.
9. One possible sentence that could be chosen is: "But what's the point of having a voice if you're gonna be silent in those moments you shouldn't be?" This sentence encapsulates the central theme of the book, which is the importance of speaking up and using one's voice. It is a powerful reminder to readers that they have the power to make their voices heard and to effect change in their own lives and in the world around them.