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Copywork
About This Passage
Two different ways of loving the same pig delivered in three short sentences. Mrs. Watson reaches for a feeling word; Mr. Watson reaches for a fancy one. The marriage is in the difference.
'Of course we are saved,' said Mr. Watson. 'Mercy has alerted the fire department. She is amazing,' said Mrs. Watson. 'She is a porcine wonder,' said Mr. Watson.
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Discussion Questions
Narration Prompt
In your own words, tell the chapter. What is the most important moment?
Discussion Questions
- Mr. Watson believes Mercy 'alerted the fire department' on purpose. The reader knows Mercy just wanted toast. The Watsons' belief is wrong about motive but right about outcome. Is this kind of partial-truth-about-the-loved-one a form of love or a form of self-deception?
- The bed crashes through the floor exactly when the firemen lift the Watsons off it. Kate DiCamillo could have made it crash earlier. Why time it for the moment of rescue?
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Vocabulary Builder
Item 1
rescued from danger
Item 2
warned of a danger or need
Item 3
having to do with pigs
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Critical Thinking
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