Preview
Copywork
About This Passage
A clattering knife is the opposite of music, yet Poe calls it the sweetest 'melody' because it means rescue is near. Copying it teaches the exclamation mark and how a writer can turn an ordinary sound into a moment of pure relief.
Never did any strain of the richest melody come so sweetly to my ears!
Full copywork activity with handwriting lines available in the complete study guide.
Discussion Questions
Narration Prompt
Tell what happens in this chapter in order: how Arthur tries to read Augustus's note in the dark, how Tiger helps fetch the torn pieces, the few scary words Arthur reads, how Tiger starts to seem dangerous, and how Augustus finally reaches him with water. Slow down at the scariest part and tell what you think about it.
Discussion Questions
- Arthur can read only a few words of Augustus's note: 'blood... your life depends upon lying close.' Why do you think those few broken words frighten Arthur even more than a whole message might? What part of the chapter helps you decide?
- When Arthur tears up the note and loses the pieces, his dog Tiger sniffs them out and brings them back. Why do you think Arthur is so surprised that Tiger can do this? What part of the story helps you decide?
+ 2 more questions in the complete study guide
Vocabulary Builder
Item 1
Wanting something very much.
Item 2
A feeling of great fear and shock.
Item 3
A strong need or longing for water to drink.
+ 5 more vocabulary words in the complete study guide
Critical Thinking
+ 4 more questions in the complete study guide
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