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Copywork
About This Passage
Kate DiCamillo grants Mercy a new piece of personality — she 'loved to chase' — and uses the same physical event (Eugenia pursuing) to deliver two opposite emotional realities (rage vs. delight). The chapter quietly demonstrates a philosophical truth: the world is not the same thing for two creatures inside it.
There was going to be a chase. Mercy loved to chase. She let Eugenia get very close to her. 'Oink!' said Mercy, dashing away. She ran in circles. She kicked up her heels.
Full copywork activity with handwriting lines available in the complete study guide.
Discussion Questions
Narration Prompt
Summarize the chapter, then explain what Kate DiCamillo wanted you to notice about how the same event can be two different things to two creatures.
Discussion Questions
- Mercy 'loved to chase.' This is the first time we have learned this about her. Across chapters 1-6 we knew Mercy loved toast and warmth and family. Now there is a new love. Why does Kate DiCamillo introduce a new piece of Mercy's personality at chapter 7? What is the writer building?
- Eugenia is chasing Mercy out of anger. Mercy is being chased in joy. The SAME physical event delivers two opposite emotional experiences. What does this say about whether 'the event' is even the right unit of analysis for what happens to creatures?
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Vocabulary Builder
Item 1
the particular vantage point from which a creature experiences an event
Item 2
a strong, light-hearted pleasure
Item 3
a pursuit, here turned into a game by the pursued
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Critical Thinking
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