Diary of a Wimpy Kid - The Last Straw — Chapter 1

About This Passage

This passage is a master class in how Kinney uses Greg's voice to do two things at once: make us laugh AND show us something true about Greg's character. The first sentence sounds reasonable. The second sentence flips the meaning by revealing Greg means resolutions for OTHERS, not himself. The third sentence delivers the punchline: Greg has actually made a list of things other people should change, and he frames this selfish act as helpful. Students learn how a writer can use false logic (the idea that fixing other people is 'just to help them out') to expose a character's blind spots. The sentence shape 'I think X, but I think Y' is a useful way to set up a turn in the middle of an idea, and the all-caps emphasis on OTHER and THEY shows how a writer can use formatting to add a tone of voice that pure words cannot capture.

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 makes a list of things OTHER people should change for the new year. He does not include anything for himself. Is this Greg being clever (he is making a joke we are supposed to laugh at), or is it Greg revealing a real problem with how he sees the world? Could it be both at the same time?
2. Greg's dad pushes him to play sports, go outside, and 'be more of a boy.' This is a kind of love that comes with rules attached: Dad loves Greg AND wants Greg to be different than he is. Is conditional love (love with rules) still real love, or is it something less? What does the chapter suggest about the difference?

+ 3 more questions in the complete study guide