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Chapter Eighteen
1.
In their rst dayroom visit, Grant brings up the words “moral obligation” or discussion
with Je erson. Why?
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2.
Grant o ten stays with Je erson even a ter the prisoner has shut down and re uses to
speak. Is this due to his increasing interest in helping Je erson?
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3.
De ne oreshadowing. List some phrases at the end o the chapter that signal a shi t in
the plot.
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Chapter Nineteen
VOCABULArY
inclement – stormy, rainy, windy
1.
Christmas has arrived and, with it, the annual Christmas program at Grant’s school.
What is di erent about this event this year?
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Chapter Twenty
1.
Why has the governor chosen the second Friday a ter Easter or Je erson’s execution?
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2.
How long does Je erson have to live?
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Chapter Twenty-one
1.
So ar in the story, we have met three teachers. Now we are told that there is another
supporting character, who also wants to be a teacher. Who is it?
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2.
How does Vivian handle the news about the execution date?
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3.
Grant tries to explain a very complex phenomenon he believes is in play in the
community. Briefy summarize his explanation.
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Chapter Twenty-two
1.
How does Grant know that Paul does not want to search him be ore his visits with
Je erson? What does this imply?
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2.
This chapter contains the rst real conversation that Grant and Je erson have. What
does Je erson get excited about?
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3.
Grant gets a brilliant idea during their conversation. What is it?
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Chapter Twenty-three
1.
Things do not go well during the next visit rom Miss Emma, Aunt Lou, and the
Reverend Ambrose. Why are they upset with Grant?
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2.
Grant is beginning to get excited about working with Je erson. What happens to give
him some inkling that he is beginning to reach Je erson?
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3.
List the three things Grant brings to the cell with him and their e ect on Je erson.
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Chapter Twenty- our
1.
Briefy describe what happens during the next visit that involves Je erson, Miss Emma,
Reverend Ambrose, Tante Lou, and Grant.
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Chapter Twenty-fve
1.
What is Grant eeling good about in the beginning o this chapter?
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2.
What spoils his mood when he gets to the bar?
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Chapter Twenty-six
VOCABULArY
chifforobe – a ree-standing closet, bureau, dresser
1.
What has Vivian so upset in this chapter?
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2.
How does Grant take Vivian’s concern?
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Chapter Twenty-seven
VOCABULArY
wake – a viewing be ore a uneral
1.
Most o this chapter deals with a discussion between Reverend Ambrose and Grant.
What are some o the subjects they discuss?
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2.
Why is it that Ambrose thinks he is the educated one o the two o them?
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Chapter Twenty-eight
1.
What evidence is there that Je erson worked very hard writing in his notebook?
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2.
What does Grant ask Je erson to do or his Nannan?
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3.
Why does Grant tell Je erson, “You’re more a man than I am, Je erson”?
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4.
What in ormation does the reader nd out about execution by the electric chair at the
end o the chapter?
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STUDY GUIDE
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Chapter Twenty-nine
1.
How is this chapter di erent rom all the rest in the book?
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2.
What are some surprising things the reader learns rom reading Je erson’s thoughts?
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Chapter Thirty
1.
This chapter is di erent rom the others in its pacing. What has the author done here to
increase the tension in this section?
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2.
What are some o the procedures that need to be taken care o be ore the execution?
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3.
What is the unction o this chapter?
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STUDY GUIDE