DRAGONWINGS
Chapter 5
Vocabulary
Abacus
reform
repulsive
simpering
Mealy-mouthed
goaded
improbable
wizened
Flailing
compensation
material
enlightenment
prudent
Discussion Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Why is the chapter called “Windrider’s Claw”
Why do the family members take a vote?
Why does Black Dog tell Moon Shadow the story about the ugly wife?
How does Moon Shadow feel about being beaten up by Black Dog?
What effect does the killing have on the lives of Moon Shadow and his
father?
6. How does Uncle feel about Moon Shadow and Windrider’s leaving?
Chapter 6
Vocabulary
Tenement
celluloid
dray
stark
Turret
Methodical
disinfectant
dubiously
Dung
Exasperation
gingham
stereopticon
Antiquated
repertory
flounce
resonant
Luminous
malicious
benevolent
Discussion Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
What is Miss Whitlaw like?
Why does she expect Moon Shadow to drink bad white stuff?
How does Robin treat Moon Shadow and his father?
Why does Moon Shadow decide that Miss Whitlaw must have been a
member of royalty in her former life?
5. How are the demoness’s dragons different from the ones Moon Shadow
knows about?
DRAGONWINGS
Chapter 7
Vocabulary
Lair
siege
Amulets
skeptical
dictate
preliminary
ambushed
ratios
embroidering
loftily
prime
schematics
erratically
Comprehension Questions
1. How do Robin and Miss Whitlaw teach Moon Shadow? What does he teach
them? Who do you think learns more?
2. Why doesn’t Moon Shadow tell his father about the boys who had thrown
things at him?
3. Why does Robin get angry at Moon Shadow and ask him if all Chinese are
crazy? What is the truth and why doesn’t Moon Shadow just tell her?
4. Why does Moon Shadow feel betrayed by Father when they go to fly the
glider?
5. Why does Moon Shadow write to the Wright brothers? What is father’s
reaction?
6. What personality traits do Miss Whitlaw, Moon Shadow, and Windrider
have in common? How are they different? List each character’s trait with
his or her name below. Place traits which characters share in areas where
the circles overlap.
DRAGONWINGS
Chapter 8
Vocabulary
Mock-up
plateau
solitary
patronized
airily
entrails
mused
Chapter Discussion
1. How does the picnic turn out? Would you enjoy going along?
2. Why does Father destroy the glider? Do you agree with his reasons?
3. Why doesn’t Moon Shadow want to fly his glider with Robin? Does she
know the truth? How does Robin help Moon Shadow take care of the
demon boys? Do you think there’s a better way to take care of the
problem?
4. Why does Miss Whitlaw say, “We see the same things and yet find
different truths”? Do you think she is talking about more than stars?
DRAGONWINGS
Chapters 5-7: Literary Elements
Chapter 5: Cause and Effect Map
To plot cause and effect in a story, first list the sequence of events. Then mark
causes with a C and effects with an E. Use and arrow from the cause to the
effect. Remember that many effects cause something else so they might be
marked with an E and a C with an arrow to the next effect.
Events in the story
1. Black Dog becomes an opium addict.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10. Windrider and Moon shadow movie in with the demoness.
Cause
Cause
Cause
Effect
Chapter 6: Writing Activity
Imagine that Miss Whitlaw writes a letter to a friend about her new tenants.
What do you think the letter would say?
Chapter 7: Literal and Figurative Meaning
Father doesn’t understand that Robin is using an expression. When?
Expression
1.
Literal
Figurative Meaning
DRAGONWINGS
Chapter 9
Vocabulary
Monopolized
persecuting
desolate
suppressed
unruly undulated
debris
trundled
Sleazy
exasperated
querulous
salvaging (#4)
boycott
ominously
refuge
rubble
tremor
fastidiously
intact
vocation
Discussion Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
What plans do Windrider and Moon Shadow have for their money?
Why did the Feast of Pure Brightness make Moon Shadow uneasy?
What does Miss Whitlaw’s reaction to the earthquake show about her?
Why are people running away?
Why does Miss Whitlaw take the window? Do you think she should? What
would you take if you could only rescue a few things from your home?
6. Why don’t Windrider and Moon Shadow accompany the Whitlaws to Golden
Gate Park?
Writing Activity
What were the effects of the earthquake? Brainstorm.
Effects of San Francisco Earthquake
Good Effects
-
Bad Effects
-
Literary Analysis: Foreshadowing
Authors sometimes provide clues that something is about to happen—often
something bad. This is called foreshadowing. Where do you find foreshadowing
in this chapter? What for foreshadowing in the future.
Prediction
Miss Whitlaw has agreed to meet Windrider and Moon Shadow in the park. Do
you think she will?