Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Rodrick Rules — Chapter 2

About This Passage

This passage teaches a particular kind of comic logic — the kind where a ridiculous claim is stated as if it were an obvious fact. The second sentence contains Kinney's signature move: the 'because' clause makes an assertion that sounds like common sense ('the more effort, the less candy') but is almost certainly wrong. Students learn how a writer can use a narrator's confident wrong-ness to create humor. The passage also models the contrast structure (Rowley wants X, but I want Y), which is a fundamental shape in narrative writing.

Narration Prompt

In your own words, tell the story of this chapter. What were the most important moments? What made them important — and how do you know?

Discussion Questions

1. Greg tells Rowley that putting effort into a costume is a 'terrible idea' because you get less candy. Greg is applying a kind of logic to Halloween — treating it like a problem to be solved. Is Greg right that Halloween should be about getting the most candy, or is he missing something by treating a holiday like a math problem? What does Rowley understand about Halloween that Greg does not?
2. This chapter shows us Greg at home with his family AND Greg out in the world with Rowley and the teenagers. In which setting does Greg feel more like himself? Does Greg act DIFFERENTLY in the two places, or do we get to see the SAME Greg in two different situations? Use specific details to support your answer.

+ 3 more questions in the complete study guide