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Copywork
About This Passage
These two sentences are a beautiful example of how two characters can share the same thought without saying the same words. Gloria says the aching-heart sentence and Opal immediately says the second sentence — a response that moves away from the sadness because it is too much for her to sit with. Notice the 'anymore' at the end of the second sentence. That small word tells us that Opal HAS been sitting with sad things, and she is deciding to stop for now. The party is her way of changing the subject. Copying these sentences teaches a writer how a quiet reply can be as important as the big statement it answers.
I believe sometimes that the whole world has an aching heart. I couldn't stand to think about sad things that couldn't be helped anymore.
Full copywork activity with handwriting lines available in the complete study guide.
Discussion Questions
Narration Prompt
Retell the chapter. Why does Opal decide to throw a party, right at the moment when the conversation has gotten very sad?
Discussion Questions
- Gloria insists that Opal invite the Dewberry boys to the party. Opal does not want to. Gloria's insistence is the chapter's small but important conflict. Why does Gloria care so much about including the boys Opal does not like?
- When Opal invites the preacher, he sighs before saying yes. What is the sigh telling us? Is the preacher reluctant, tired, moved, or all three at once?
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Vocabulary Builder
Item 1
hurting in a slow, persistent way — the kind of pain that does not sharply demand attention but does not leave
Item 2
unable to do anything about a situation, even when you want to
Item 3
an outdoor meal where food is cooked over fire, usually with many people invited
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Critical Thinking
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