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Copywork
About This Passage
Four speakers, four toasts, one pig. Even Eugenia speaks in the language of toasting while complaining about toasting. Kate DiCamillo lets the joke complete itself.
'A toast to Mercy,' said Mr. Watson, holding up his glass of orange juice. 'A toast to our darling, our dear,' said Mrs. Watson. 'A toast to Mercy,' said Baby. 'In my opinion,' said Eugenia, 'pigs sho...
Full copywork activity with handwriting lines available in the complete study guide.
Discussion Questions
Narration Prompt
In your own words, tell the breakfast scene. What is the most important moment?
Discussion Questions
- The breakfast table holds everyone — including Eugenia, who has been against Mercy for the whole book. What does it mean when enemies sit at the same table and eat the same food?
- Kate DiCamillo makes 'toast' do double duty — it is the food Mercy loves AND the way the family honors her. Why is this perfect? What other word could the book have built itself around?
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Vocabulary Builder
Item 1
raising a glass to honor someone — also a kind of bread
Item 2
a place of respect; the act of giving respect
Item 3
a beloved person or pet — a term of deep affection
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Critical Thinking
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