“Just Lather, That’s All”
Page 48, Elements of English 10
Word Study
Find a definition for each of the following words used in the story.
Foray
revolutionary
rejuvenated
regime
conscientious
Literature Study
Answer the following questions in complete sentences.
1. What is the cause of the barber’s nervousness in relation to his special customer?
2. What inner conflict in the barber is revealed by this encounter?
3. Identify at least three reasons that the barber gives for not killing the Captain. Do
you agree with the barber’s decision? Why or why not?
4. Find an example of an oxymoron, a metaphor, and onomatopoeia from the story
and explain the purpose of each in the story.
Journal Response
The barber is faced with a situation which requires him to examine his morals and values.
In your journal, examine a time when you have had to make a moral decision. What were
the pros and cons of the possible choices? What questions did you have to ask yourself
before you made the decision? Do you think you made the right decision? Why?