Finish Quiz and close-reading of 1.2

*First, you will have 15 min to finish your writing assignment for yesterday's quiz

**We will spend the rest of class working on the close-reading questions for 1.2:

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Close Reading (Act 1, Scene 2)    Name: ___________________________________________________

Close reading is the process of re-examining a short passage and asking critical questions about it. Taking another look at Walter’s speech to Mama gives you insight into his character.

Directions: Read the passage and then answer the questions below in preparation for a class discussion.

Walter: (Quietly) Sometimes it’s like I can see the future stretched out in front of me—just plain as day. The future, Mama. Hanging over there at the edge of my days. Just waiting for me—a big, looming blank space—full of nothing. Just waiting for me. But it don’t have to be. (Pause. Kneeling beside her chair.) Mama—sometimes when I’m downtown and I pass them cool, quiet-looking restaurants where them white boys are sitting back and talking ‘bout things…sitting there turning deals worth millions of dollars…sometimes I see guys don’t’ look much older than me---

1.       Circle the words that are written in italics. Why are they written this way?

2.       Underline the stage directions (what the actor should be doing as he speaks). What do these tell you about Walter’s character at this point or his relationship with his mother?

3.       What does it mean to Walter that he can see his future “plain as day”?

4.       Why is his future “hanging over there at the edge of [his] days”?

5.       Why does he repeat the phrase “just waiting for me”?

6.       How do you think Walter feels when he sees the “white boys” doing business in the restaurants?

7.       Explain whether or not you think Walter will ever by a wealthy businessman. Use textual evidence to support your answer.