Before the End of Summer Discussion Questions
Before the End of Summer Discussion Questions
Be sure to read through all the questions. You should be able to answer any of them during our whole class discussion. You will then answer any 6 of the following 9 questions. PLEASE remember to highlight your answers on your word document so they stand out better during check-in.
1. On page 107 of the story, Bennie’s grandmother says “I know death, doctor. I know it well. I’m just not used to it.” What does she mean by this?
She’s seen other people die all around her, but she’s not been in that place before.
2. What kinds of people ever get “used to death”? Be able to defend your answers.
One’s that suffer the most, or have been around it for a long time before. They get used to feeling empty perhaps.
3. What does Bennie mean on page 110 when he says that his grandmother made him stand away from her? What kind of people make you “stand away” from them?
The kind of people who want to stay alone, and suffer without anyone seeing them. Or not making people suffer by being with them, so they push them away.
4. On page 113 of the story, Bennie is confused about what happens at the funeral. What is he confused about? Keeping this in mind, do you think it is ok for kids to go to funerals? Defend your answer.
5. Why do you think Bennie’s opinion of his grandmother and his attitude toward her impending death change after the death of May Mathis?
He sees that he has to spend time with her, and cherish her more. Because he doesn’t know what exact day or time his grandmother will die..
6. After the storm, Bennie’s grandmother tells him to shut the door and let her sleep. He is instructed NOT to try to wake her up. What is Bennie’s grandmother trying to protect him from? Is it a wise choice? Why or why not?
7. Why does grandmother’s face change on page 117 when she hears a neighbor comment on what a beautiful fall day it is?
Because she realizes that she didn’t die, and that fall is here
Be sure to read through all the questions. You should be able to answer any of them during our whole class discussion. You will then answer any 6 of the following 9 questions. PLEASE remember to highlight your answers on your word document so they stand out better during check-in.
1. On page 107 of the story, Bennie’s grandmother says “I know death, doctor. I know it well. I’m just not used to it.” What does she mean by this?
She’s seen other people die all around her, but she’s not been in that place before.
2. What kinds of people ever get “used to death”? Be able to defend your answers.
One’s that suffer the most, or have been around it for a long time before. They get used to feeling empty perhaps.
3. What does Bennie mean on page 110 when he says that his grandmother made him stand away from her? What kind of people make you “stand away” from them?
The kind of people who want to stay alone, and suffer without anyone seeing them. Or not making people suffer by being with them, so they push them away.
4. On page 113 of the story, Bennie is confused about what happens at the funeral. What is he confused about? Keeping this in mind, do you think it is ok for kids to go to funerals? Defend your answer.
5. Why do you think Bennie’s opinion of his grandmother and his attitude toward her impending death change after the death of May Mathis?
He sees that he has to spend time with her, and cherish her more. Because he doesn’t know what exact day or time his grandmother will die..
6. After the storm, Bennie’s grandmother tells him to shut the door and let her sleep. He is instructed NOT to try to wake her up. What is Bennie’s grandmother trying to protect him from? Is it a wise choice? Why or why not?
7. Why does grandmother’s face change on page 117 when she hears a neighbor comment on what a beautiful fall day it is?
Because she realizes that she didn’t die, and that fall is here