Name _________________ Period _____
An Acquaintance with Darkness
Chapter 1: “Johnny”
Discussion Questions: You must answer each question using complete sentences. NO
CREDIT will be given for incomplete sentences. Use PQA (Part of the Question in your
Answer) to write complete sentences.
This story is told from the perspective of Emily, a fourteen-year-old girl. Who does she live
with and why?
Emily says, “Washington is crying”. Why does she say this?
How does Emily describe the people living in Washington after the war?
What happened to Emily’s father?
Why do you think that has affected the way she feels about the war?
Emily and Johnny talk about what she will do when her mother dies. What does her
mother want her to do? What does Johnny want her to do? What does Emily want to do?
Why does Johnny come to visit Emily?
Emily says that she knows she will never see Johnny again. What do you predict will
happen?
Word Wizard: Read the sentences below. What does the underlined word mean? Try to
use context clues, but use a dictionary if you need one.
Four years of scavenging for food. (pg. 2)
Booth was a matinee idol. (pg. 5)
He looked abashed. (pg. 7)
Richmond has been evacuated. (pg. 8)
Mama had worked for Elizabeth Keckley, Mrs. Lincoln’s seamstress. (pg. 10)
Literary Elements:
*You must answer each question using complete sentences. NO CREDIT will be given
for incomplete sentences. Use PQA (Part of the Question in your Answer) to write
complete sentences.
SETTING
What is the setting of the story?
When does it take place?
Where does it take place?
What is happening in the United States during this time?
What is the mood of the story?
CHARACTERS
*Below are some of the characters introduced in chapter one. Describe the character
and their relationship with Emily.
Character
Mary Surratt
Annie Surratt
Johnny Surratt
John Wilkes
Booth
Mama
Uncle Valentine
Description
Relationship to Emily and
how she feels about each
person