SHORT STORY
In the short story, “Thank You, M’am,” Hughes’s characters speak in dialect, a version of a
language spoken by the people of a particular place, time, or social group. In this case, the
manner of speaking used by Mrs. Jones and Roger may be common of black people living in
Harlem in the 1950s. Both characters use informal or nonstandard language, including slang
and incorrect grammatical structures.
Rewrite the following sentences from the story using standard formal English.
1.
“Now, ain’t you ashamed of yourself?”
2. “I got a great mind to wash your face for you.”
3. “Ain’t you got nobody home to tell you to wash your face?”
Knowing vocabulary words means more than simply understanding their definitions. You also
need to be able to apply your knowledge of them. To answer the questions below, apply the
meaning of the vocabulary words to determine your choices.
4. Would you rather…
be described as barbarous or disarming? Why?
5. Would you rather…
jungle? Why?
be offered a mosquito net or a butterfly net as an amenity in the
6. Would you rather… be accused of an offense based on tangible evidence or on a
futile investigation? Why?
Suspense is the feeling of expectation, anxiousness, or curiosity created by questions raised in
the minds of readers. To build suspense, the author uses details such as word choice, sensory
imagery, and other types of description to create and maintain that mood or feeling.
Use details from “The Most Dangerous Game” and provide a brief explanation of how those
details build suspense.
7. Ship-Trap Island and the Surrounding Sea
Details:
How Details Build Suspense:
8. Physical Descriptions, Expressions, and Actions of General Zaroff and Ivan
Details:
How Details Build Suspense:
9. General Zaroff believes that his philosophy of sowing civility toward “guests” who visit
the island is in harmony with the civilized state that he insists is maintained on the
island. What is the difference between the two underlined words in the statement
above? How is Zaroff’s lifestyle the antithesis or opposite of what he considers
“civilized”? What do you think is his definition of “civilized” based on how he justifies
his actions to others?
10. Which story (“Thank you, M’am” or “The Most Dangerous Game”) do you prefer? Why?