No Promises In the Wind
DIRECTIONS:
-Answer the following questions with COMPLETE SENTENCES. (1-2
sentences)
-You do NOT need to rewrite the questions.
-The essay should be answered in PARAGRAPH form (7-9 sentences)
-Chapter 1 (Pages 7-30)1.)
2.)
3.)
4.)
Where and when does the story begin?
How does the Depression affect how the father treats his family?
What motivates Josh to leave home?
Describe Josh’s Father before the Depression, and how did the Depression change
him?
ESSAY QUESTION:
Mary tells Josh that she will never side with her son against her husband. She
believes she must keep the family together by standing by her husband, but she also
defends Josh against Stefan’s attacks. Do you agree with Josh’s mother’s strategy of
never criticizing her husband? How does it make Josh feel? Did it help keep the family
together?
-Chapter 2 (Pages 31-45)5.)
6.)
7.)
8.)
Why does Josh feed his anger on the night that he plans to leave his family?
Why do the boys feel hopeful after their first day on the road?
What details from the story foreshadow Howie’s accident?
How does Josh react to the accident?
ESSAY QUESTION:
Josh and Howie have plans for their future while being out on their own. Explain
what those plans are. Secondly, explain how those plans change based on Howie’s
accident?
-Chapter 3 (Pages 46-63)9.) Describe the “house” that Josh and Joey stumble upon. How does this scene
contribute to your understanding of the setting for the novel?
10.) What details from this chapter reveal Josh’s growing affection for Joey?
11.) How is Joey’s youthfulness an advantage for the boys?
ESSAY QUESTION:
Josh and Joey spend a night in a broken down house. Explain the events of the
night. Also, how are the man and woman that they meet from the house similar to their
own parents?
-Chapter 4 (Pages 64-81)12.) What motivates Josh and Joey to go door to door?
13.) At one of the homes, Josh encounters a girl who offers him food and kind words.
How do the girl’s words affect Josh?
14.) Why is Josh’s confidence restored after his visit with the old woman?
ESSAY QUESTION:
Explain what Lonnie reveals to Josh about his past. Why do you think he shares
this information with him?
-Chapter 5 (Pages 82-105)15.) Why do you think Lonnie care so much about Josh and Joey?
16.) Describe Lonnie’s character. Cite specific words and action that show that kind
of person he is.
17.) Who is Pete Harris and how does he help Josh and Joey?
ESSAY QUESTION:
Compare and contrast the personalities of the two dwarfs that Josh and Joey
encounter at the carnival. Provide at least two examples from the story to support your
descriptions.
-Chapter 6 (Pages 106-128)18.) How does the Christmas season affect Josh’s thoughts about his family?
19.) Why is Florinda considered a flat character? How is she described?
20.) Do you think the carnival will survive after the fire? What do you predict will
happen to Josh and Joey?
ESSAY QUESTION:
Explain how Josh’s stubbornness affects his behavior toward Emily and toward
his parents. What does this characteristic reveal about him?
-Chapter 7 (Pages 129-151)21.) Why do Josh and Joey decide to go to Nebraska?
22.) How would you characterize the man who gives the boys a ride in a fancy
Cadillac?
23.) Cite details that show how Josh and Joey’s roles have reversed?
ESSAY QUESTION:
What is the irony of Joey taking responsibility for the care of his older brother?
Provide examples from the novel.
-Chapter 8 (Pages 152-172)24.)What motivates Joey to share his loaf of bread with another family?
25.) Explain how Joey’s kind act creates conflict between Joey and Josh.
26.) When Josh tries to find Joey, he becomes lost, falls, and loses consciousness.
Who find him, and what happens next? Why?
ESSAY QUESTION:
Explain the situation of when Josh lashes out at Joey for giving away their bread?
Provide details from the story that talks about the situation.
-Chapter 9 (Pages 173-190)27.) What is Josh’s biggest concern during his convalescence?
28.) What gives Lonnie and Josh hope that they will soon find Joey?
29.) What do you think the author’s purpose is for including the information about
“the wild children of the road?”
ESSAY QUESTION:
Explain what the letter from Josh’s mother reveals. What does it ask Josh to do
and why?
-Chapter 10-11 (Pages 191-223)30.) What does Joey want to tell Josh before he goes back to sleep? Why?
31.) Who does Joey compare Josh to? How does this comparison affect Josh?
32.) Why do you think Josh and Joey are torn when it is time to return home?
ESSAY QUESTION:
Explain what Josh’s experience of being “out on his own” helps him realize about
his father. Why is this an important realization?