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Copywork
About This Passage
Three speakers, three names for the same creature. Mr. Watson's 'porcine wonder' lifts Mercy up. Eugenia's 'pig' tries to put her back in the box. The chapter is staged as a small naming contest.
'We would prefer that you call her a porcine wonder,' said Mr. Watson. 'After all, she did save us. She's a hero.' 'She's a pig,' said Eugenia.
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Discussion Questions
Narration Prompt
In your own words, tell the chapter. What is the most surprising moment?
Discussion Questions
- Eugenia is hugging Mercy at the start of the chapter — the same Eugenia who called Mercy a monster and chased her. Has Eugenia changed her mind about all pigs, or just about Mercy?
- The chapter is built around what to call Mercy: 'pig' (Eugenia), 'hero' (Mr. Watson), 'porcine wonder' (also Mr. Watson), 'darling' (Mrs. Watson). Why does Kate DiCamillo make the chapter into a debate about names?
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Vocabulary Builder
Item 1
to like one thing better than another
Item 2
having to do with pigs
Item 3
a being or thing that produces awe
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Critical Thinking
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