Nightjohn Questions



Nightjohn

by Gary Paulson

 Nightjohn is a story that is set in the south during the time of slavery.  Based on an actual incident, Gary Paulsen tells about a young slave girl, Sarny, who it taught to read by another slave, Nightjohn.  The book is very well written, complete with dialect that makes the book even more interesting to read.  Nightjohn has escaped to the North where he was taught to read, but he keeps coming back to the south to further educate the slaves of the plantations.  Nightjohn meets Sarny and convinces her that she should learn to read.  Knowing the consequences, each night after the others are asleep.  Nightjohn teaches Sarny one letter.  Nightjohn makes Sarny promise that she will never say or write the letters that he is teaching her.  He tells Sarny, “To know things, for us to know things, is bad for them.  We get to wanting and when we get to wanting it's bad for them.  They thinks we want what they got. . . That's why they don't want us reading.”

Focus – Risk Takers

This year we will be looking at history through the eyes of risk takers. As you read this book try to imagine the risks that the characters took. Try to identify what the characters risked and what it is they gained. Ask yourself if you might make the same choices, take the same risks. Finally, decide whether the risks the characters took were worth the price they paid.

Assignment

Your assignment is to read the short novel Nightjohn by Gary Paulsen. While reading the novel, consider the questions posed in the theme section above. Additionally, you are responsible for responding to the attached questions. These questions will help provide a basis for discussion when you return ot school n September.

Please type responses to questions in a word document and be prepared to hand in the assignment on the first day of school.

Format: Typed document, 1 inch margins, 12 point font, heading in top right hand corner (see below)

Sample Heading: Your Name Suzie Cue

Teacher Name Mrs. Barrows

Class US History I

Date 13 June 2012

Topic Nightjohn Reflection Questions

*The heading should be at the top of the page on the right hand. The left side of the words should all line up.

PLEASE feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. I will be available via email throughout the summer: cbarrowsemail@

Nightjohn Questions

Chapter 1

1. Who is the narrator of this story? How old is this person?

2. Is this story told in the first person or the third person?

3. Who is Clel Waller?

4. How does Sarny feel about Waller? How can you tell?

5. Is Sarny dumb? Explain how you know.

6. Why is Sarny’s mother not around? Who has raised Sarny?

7. What kind of work does Sarny do on the plantation?

8. What does Sarny do at night?

Chapter 2

1. What was Sarny’s job in the flower garden? What does this job allow her to do?

2. How much money did Clel Waller pay when he bought Nightjohn? What does this tell you about Nightjohn?

3. How did Sarny’s mammy pray?

a. Where did she pray?

b. Why did she pray this way?

c. What did she pray for?

Chapter 3

1. How was Nightjohn brought in to the plantation?

2. What condition was Nightjohn in when he came to the plantation?

3. What were the meals like on the plantation?

4. What did Nightjohn do the first night on the plantation? What does this tell you about him?

5. What did Nightjohn tell Sarny about why reading was not allowed for slaves?

Chapter 4

1. Alice:

a. Who was she?

b. What happened to her the 1st time she tried to run away?

c. What happened to her the next time she tried to escape?

2. Jim:

a. Who was he?

b. What happened to him when he tried to run away?

3. Pawley:

a. Who was he?

b. What happened to him?

4. What does Sarny think (what is her opinion) about trying to escape?

5. Does Sarny still continue to learn letters from Nightjohn? What does that tell you about her character?

6. How does Mammy react when she catches Nightjohn teaching Sarny?

a. WHY does she react this way?

b. How does her attitude change after Nightjohn explains his reason for teaching her?

7. Tell about Nightjohn’s past:

a. When did Nightjohn get the scars on his back?

b. Why did he return after escaping?

c. Why does he want to teach slave children to read and write?

Chapter 5

1. Describe what Sarny is learning in her lessons with Nightjohn.

2. Describe what happens when Waller catches Sarny.

a. What was she doing?

b. What does she tell Waller?

c. What does Waller do?

d. Describe the conflict for Sarny. (Internal or external?)

e. Who is punished? What is the punishment?

f. What does Nightjohn do? What does this tell you about his character?

g. What does Waller do to Nightjohn?

h. How does Sarny react to Waller’s treatment of Nightjohn and Mammy?

Chapter 6

1. What actions does John take after his toes are chopped off in Chapter 5?

****Give 5 details in sequence

2. Do you think that he will be successful with his plan? Why or why not?

3. What does John promise Sarny? Does she believe him? Do you???

Chapter 7

1. Was John successful with his plan? Explain.

2. What has happened to Sarny since John left?

3. Did John keep his promise to Sarny? Explain.

4. Describe the place John takes Sarny. Why is it so secretive?

5. Where has John been since he has been gone?

6. How does John teach reading now?

7. How does Sarny feel at the end of the chapter? Explain.

Chapter Words

1. What does Sarny tell us in this short chapter?

2. What do you think would happen if the book continued for another chapter?

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