Acquaintance with Darkness
By, Ann Rinaldi
Chapter 2 “A Star at Noon”
Discussion Questions
Who is Elizabeth Keckley? How does she know the Lincoln’s?
How does Emily describe the two types of slaves?
Why doesn’t Emily want to become a dressmaker?
Why did Ella May leave Washington? What did she say would
happen? Do you believe her?
Why doesn’t Emily tell her mother about the end of the war?
Word Wizard
Words from the time.
This story takes place in 1865. There are many words that
Emily uses that we don’t use today. What are these words
referring too? Look up the following items to see what they
were during that time.
Barouche (pg. 12)
Coachman (pg. 12)
Flounces (pg. 13)
Shift (Pg. 16)
Parlor
Now you write a list of words that we use today that Emily
wouldn’t know.
Literary Elements
1. The author uses foreshadowing on page 17 with
Elizabeth’s words to Emily. She says, “We all, at sometime
in our lives, have an acquaintance with darkness. It will
pass.” What do you think the author is trying to tell the
reader? What do you think this statement means?
2. What do you think the author is trying to get the reader
to feel for Emily’s situation? How does the author do this?
(Give example details from the story)
Be an Artist
Look up what a typical house might look like in 1865. Draw
a picture of what you think Emily’s house looks like. You
can draw the outside of the house, or choose one room on
the inside to illustrate. Or, you can do a flash
animation.