Crabbe, by William Bell



Crabbe, by William Bell

Study Questions

Crabbe’s Journal 1

1. Where does the novel open?

2. Where are the rest of the teenagers?

3. Why is Crabbe where he is?

4. Who is Dr. Browne?

5. Describe Dr. Browne.

6. What are memory blanks according to Dr. Browne?

7. Why isn’t Dr. Browne impressed with Crabbe’s progress?

8. Why is Crabbe keeping a journal?

Crabbe’s Journal 2

1. What kind of house did Crabbe grow up in?

2. Why is Crabbe glad about what he did?

3. Why was Crabbe sick of his life?

Crabbe’s Journal 3

1. What was Crabbe planning to do?

2. How long had Crabbe spent planning his ‘escape’?

3. How did Crabbe ensure his parents didn’t notice any camping equipment was missing in the basement?

4. How did Crabbe manage to get his clothing hidden without his mother knowing?

5. When was Crabbe planning on leaving?

Crabbe’s Journal 4

1. Who is Fat-Ass Grant?

2. What secret had Fat-Ass discovered?

3. Why does Crabbe feel he’s no different than anyone else (p. 26)?

4. What did Grant discover in Crabbe’s locker?

5. Why wasn’t Crabbe punished by the principal?

6. Who, or what, is silent Sam?

Digression

1. What problems did Crabbe have with his teachers?

2. Why does Crabbe think school is stupid?

3. Who is Mr. Peters?

4. Why is Mr. Peters different from the other teachers?

5. Why does Crabbe think the other teachers must hate Mr. Peters?

6. Why does Crabbe’s father think Mr. Peters is dangerous?

7. Why does Crabbe think he could be a threat?

Crabbe’s Journal 5

1. What was the biggest challenge Crabbe had in this chapter?

2. How did Crabbe’s plan almost get ruined?

3. How has Crabbe’s plan been altered?

Crabbe’s Journal 6

1. Where did Crabbe hide the station wagon?

2. What was missing, that morning when Crabbe woke up, that was different from every other morning?

3. How did Crabbe clue in to where to sit in the canoe?

Crabbe’s Journal 7

1. Describe Crabbe’s ‘rest stops’ (p.44).

2. Was Crabbe used to working? Explain.

3. What was the worst part for Crabbe – carrying the canoe or the packs? Why?

4. How does the author foreshadow that something bad might happen to Crabbe?

Crabbe’s Journal 8

1. What important clue does Crabbe ignore at the beginning of this chapter?

2. What has happened to all of Crabbe’s supplies?

3. What major event happens in this chapter and how does Crabbe react to it?

4. Why does Crabbe have to eat cold stew?

5. What is not part of the reason why Crabbe has left home (p. 57)?

Crabbe’s Journal 9

1. When Crabbe set out on his trip, where was he headed?

2. What was the last thought Crabbe had once he realized what danger he was in (p. 63)?

3. Interpret Crabbe’s ‘erotic dream’. What do you think was actually happening?

Crabbe’s Journal 10

1. What’s hypothermia?

2. What injuries did Crabbe sustain?

3. How does Crabbe know the stranger knew what she was doing (p. 68)?

4. Why is the location the woman chose to set up camp the perfect hiding place?

5. Why does the stranger say Crabbe was asking for his attack in chapter 8?

6. What are “night lines”?

7. What realization makes Crabbe ashamed at the end of this chapter?

Crabbe’s Journal 11

1. What is bannock?

2. How does Crabbe make his rescuer angry?

3. Why does the woman want to store all the food?

4. What confession does Crabbe make in this chapter?

5. What is Crabbe worried about at the end of the chapter?

Crabbe’s Journal 12

1. For Crabbe, what is the “truth” he’s learned about nature?

2. What was life like for Crabbe when he lived in the city/

3. What ‘big test’ does Mary give Crabbe?

4. How will Crabbe know if he’s “screwed up”?

5. What realization does Crabbe come to about his loneliness?

6. How does Crabbe do on the ‘test’?

7. what safety precaution had Mary taken when testing Crabbe?

Crabbe’s Journal 13

1. What problem is Crabbe still having?

2a What gift did Mary give Crabbe? 2b. How did Mary think it might help?

3. What is the symbol on the gift called?

4. Even though Crabbe didn’t think Mary’s idea would work, why was he willing to try it?

Crabbe’s Journal 14

1. How does Crabbe feel about Mary?

Crabbe’s Journal 15

1. How does Mary feel about Crabbe?

2. Why is Crabbe o.k. with this?

3. What does Mary think it’s time for Crabbe to do?

4. How does Crabbe feel about this?

5. What are “staples’?

6. How does Mary plan to replenish he stock?

Crabbe’s Journal 16

1. How is Mary’s plan complicated?

2. Describe the people at the camp.

3. Why does Mary whisper “eureka” excitedly?

4a. What causes Crabbe grave concern on page 107? 4b.Why does this worry him?

5. What happens to Mary?

6. Why does Crabbe take steaks and ground beef?

7. What is the pepper for?

8. How is the weather creating trouble for Mary and Crabbe?

9. What frame of mind is Mary in?

Crabbe’s Journal 17

1. What happens to Mary in this chapter?

Crabbe’s Journal 18

1. Once Crabbe gets back to the camp, what does he do right away?

2. What was Crabbe disgusted in himself for?

3. What things did Crabbe learn about Mary?

Journal 18 cont….

4. What things did Crabbe think his father wanted him to be like?

5. What was it about the way Mary made Crabbe feel that was different (p. 124)?

6. What was one of Mary’s favourite expressions?

7. What’s a “loser’s game” according to Mary?

8. When does Mary think a person reached maturity?

9. What realization does Crabbe come to about Mary and why she was hiding?

Crabbe’s Journal 19

1. What two choices does Crabbe realize he has?

2. What was Crabbe’s greatest enemy in his situation?

3. How did Crabbe’s Packs come in handy?

4. How long had Crabbe been in the bush/

5. Why does Crabbe’s sleeping bag need to be hung?

6. How has the weather turned against Crabbe?

7. Where does Crabbe take shelter for the evening?

8. What did Mary think was the “greatest compliment to a teacher”?

Crabbe’s Journal 20

1. What was happening to Crabbe’s hands and feet?

2. Why was the pain going away?

3. Why couldn’t Crabbe fall asleep once he reached shelter?

4. How did Crabbe end up in the hospital?

Crabbe’s Journal 21

1. What happened to Crabbe’s hand? How could it have been worse?

2. Why does Crabbe have to be transferred to a city hospital?

3. Why does Crabbe finally decide to reveal some information about himself?

Digression

1. What kind of imagination does Crabbe think people need?

Crabbe’s Journal 22

1. Who is Mrs. Owen’s?

2. What was different about Crabbe’s mother and father’s appearance?

3. Why does Crabbe run from seeing his parents?

4. Why does Crabbe finally decide to face them?

Crabbe’s Journal 23

1. What does Crabbe realize both he and his parents are feeling (p.162)?

2. What did Crabbe’s father need to know?

3. What’s your interpretation of how Crabbe left things with his parents?

Crabbe’s Journal: End

1. Where does Crabbe go once he checks out of the hospital?

2. What was Crabbe having a difficult time getting used to?

3. Where does Crabbe get a job? Why does he think he got it?

4. Who’s Brighton?

5. What’s Project Adventure?

6. Do you think Project Adventure is a good thing for Crabbe? Explain.

Crabbe’s Journal 1

1. Where does the novel open?

2. Where are the rest of the teenagers?

3. Why is Crabbe where he is?

4. Who is Dr. Browne?

5. Describe Dr. Browne.

6. What are memory blanks according to Dr. Browne?

7. Why isn’t Dr. Browne impressed with Crabbe’s progress?

8. Why is Crabbe keeping a journal?

Crabbe’s Journal 2

1. What kind of house did Crabbe grow up in?

2. Why is Crabbe glad about what he did?

3. Why was Crabbe sick of his life?

Crabbe’s Journal 3

1. What was Crabbe planning to do?

2. How long had Crabbe spent planning his ‘escape’?

3. How did Crabbe ensure his parents didn’t notice any camping equipment was missing in the basement?

4. How did Crabbe manage to get his clothing hidden without his mother knowing?

5. When was Crabbe planning on leaving?

Crabbe’s Journal 4

1. Who is Fat-Ass Grant?

2. What secret had Fat-Ass discovered?

3. Why does Crabbe feel he’s no different than anyone else (p. 26)?

4. What did Grant discover in Crabbe’s locker?

5. Why wasn’t Crabbe punished by the principal?

6. Who, or what, is silent Sam?

Digression

1. What problems did Crabbe have with his teachers?

2. Why does Crabbe think school is stupid?

3. Who is Mr. Peters?

4. Why is Mr. Peters different from the other teachers?

5. Why does Crabbe think the other teachers must hate Mr. Peters?

6. Why does Crabbe’s father think Mr. Peters is dangerous?

7. Why does Crabbe think he could be a threat?

Crabbe’s Journal 5

1. What was the biggest challenge Crabbe had in this chapter?

2. How did Crabbe’s plan almost get ruined?

3. How has Crabbe’s plan been altered?

Crabbe’s Journal 6

1. Where did Crabbe hide the station wagon?

2. What was missing, that morning when Crabbe woke up, that was

different from every other morning?

3. How did Crabbe clue in to where to sit in the canoe?

Crabbe’s Journal 7

1. Describe Crabbe’s ‘rest stops’ (p.44).

2. Was Crabbe used to working? Explain.

3. What was the worst part for Crabbe - carrying the canoe or the packs?

Why?

4. How does the author foreshadow that something bad might happen?

Crabbe’s Journal 8

1. What important clue does Crabbe ignore at the beginning of this ch.?

2. What has happened to all of Crabbe’s supplies?

3. What major event happens in this chapter; how does Crabbe react to it?

4. Why does Crabbe have to eat cold stew?

5. What is not part of the reason why Crabbe has left home (p. 57)?

Crabbe’s Journal 9

1. When Crabbe set out on his trip, where was he headed?

2. What was the last thought Crabbe had once he realized what danger he

was in (p. 63)?

3. Interpret Crabbe’s ‘erotic dream’. What do you think was actually

happening?

Crabbe’s Journal 10

1. What’s hypothermia?

2. What injuries did Crabbe sustain?

3. How does Crabbe know the stranger knew what she was doing (p. 68)?

4. Why is the location the woman chose to set up camp the perfect hiding

place?

5. Why does the stranger say Crabbe was asking for his attack in ch. 8?

6. What are “night lines”?

7. What realization makes Crabbe ashamed at the end of this chapter?

Crabbe’s Journal 11

1. What is bannock?

2. How does Crabbe make his rescuer angry?

3. Why does the woman want to store all the food?

4. What confession does Crabbe make in this chapter?

5. What is Crabbe worried about at the end of the chapter?

Crabbe’s Journal 12

1. For Crabbe, what is the “truth” he’s learned about nature?

2. What was life like for Crabbe when he lived in the city/

3. What ‘big test’ does Mary give Crabbe?

4. How will Crabbe know if he’s “screwed up”?

5. What realization does Crabbe come to about his loneliness?

6. How does Crabbe do on the ‘test’?

7. what safety precaution had Mary taken when testing Crabbe?

Crabbe’s Journal 13

1. What problem is Crabbe still having?

2a) What gift did Mary give Crabbe? b) How did Mary think it might help?

3. What is the symbol on the gift called?

4. Even though Crabbe didn’t think Mary’s idea would work, why was he

willing to try it?

Crabbe’s Journal 14

1. How does Crabbe feel about Mary?

Crabbe’s Journal 15

1. How does Mary feel about Crabbe?

2. Why is Crabbe o.k. with this?

3. What does Mary think it’s time for Crabbe to do?

4. How does Crabbe feel about this?

5. What are “staples’?

6. How does Mary plan to replenish he stock?

Crabbe’s Journal 16

1. How is Mary’s plan complicated?

2. Describe the people at the camp.

3. Why does Mary whisper “eureka” excitedly?

4a) What causes Crabbe grave concern on page 107?

b) Why does this worry him?

5. What happens to Mary?

6. Why does Crabbe take steaks and ground beef?

7. What is the pepper for?

8. How is the weather creating trouble for Mary and Crabbe?

9. What frame of mind is Mary in?

Crabbe’s Journal 17

1. What happens to Mary in this chapter?

Crabbe’s Journal 18

1. Once Crabbe gets back to the camp, what does he do right away?

2. What was Crabbe disgusted in himself for?

3. What things did Crabbe learn about Mary?

4. What things did Crabbe think his father wanted him to be like?

5. What was it about the way Mary made Crabbe feel that was different (p. 124)?

6. What was one of Mary’s favourite expressions?

7. What’s a “loser’s game” according to Mary?

8. When does Mary think a person reached maturity?

9. What realization does Crabbe come to about Mary and why she was

hiding?

Crabbe’s Journal 19

1. What two choices does Crabbe realize he has?

2. What was Crabbe’s greatest enemy in his situation?

3. How did Crabbe’s Packs come in handy?

4. How long had Crabbe been in the bush/

5. Why does Crabbe’s sleeping bag need to be hung?

6. How has the weather turned against Crabbe?

7. Where does Crabbe take shelter for the evening?

8. What did Mary think was the “greatest compliment to a teacher”?

Crabbe’s Journal 20

1. What was happening to Crabbe’s hands and feet?

2. Why was the pain going away?

3. Why couldn’t Crabbe fall asleep once he reached shelter?

4. How did Crabbe end up in the hospital?

Crabbe’s Journal 21

1. What happened to Crabbe’s hand? How could it have been worse?

2. Why does Crabbe have to be transferred to a city hospital?

3. Why does Crabbe finally decide to reveal some information about

himself?

Digression

1. What kind of imagination does Crabbe think people need?

Crabbe’s Journal 22

1. Who is Mrs. Owen’s?

2. What was different about Crabbe’s mother and father’s appearance?

3. Why does Crabbe run from seeing his parents?

4. Why does Crabbe finally decide to face them?

Crabbe’s Journal 23

1. What does Crabbe realize both he and his parents are feeling (p.162)?

2. What did Crabbe’s father need to know?

3. What’s your interpretation of how Crabbe left things with his parents?

Crabbe’s Journal: End

1. Where does Crabbe go once he checks out of the hospital?

2. What was Crabbe having a difficult time getting used to?

3. Where does Crabbe get a job? Why does he think he got it?

4. Who’s Brighton?

5. What’s Project Adventure?

6. Do you think Project Adventure is a good thing for Crabbe? Explain.

Crabbe

by William Bell

Novel Study 

As we read the novel Crabbe in class, you will complete the following assignments. Please complete your work in good copy and hand in according to the due dates decided upon in class.

 

Introduction to the Novel

Assignment #1 ESSAY

Read "To Light a Fire" by Jack London.

Complete text questions and vocabulary word find.

Write an essay describing three things you would take with you if you were going to survive in the woods.  Create a reason you would be in the woods, and a time frame, then choose three things from the list and provide details supporting your choices.

Assignment #2  POEM

Complete word splash activity in class. Sort words according to character, setting, plot and conflict.  Create a ten line poem using the words.

Assignment #3:  ILLUSTRATION

Read The Cremation of Sam McGee, by Robert Service. Study the images on the links below to see how various artists have illustrated this wonderful poem.  Create your own illustration for your favorite part of the poem.  Use plenty of colors and details to create a vivid image. Use the outline for creating a drawing provided in class.

Burning Sam by David Charles Bierk

Ted Harrison: Click on the "view gallery" button to see five pictures from the illustrated picture book

 

Author Study

Assignment # 4  Paragraph

Check out the William Bell web site and write a brief outline describing some details about the author. Why did he write the novel, how long does it take, where is he from, details from his life?

 

Issues in the Novel

Assignment #5 Alcohol Abuse Advertisement

• Go to the Absolut Magazine Ads page and choose three advertisements that you feel are especially powerful. (click on the Absolut Advertisements button several different times to see a variety of ads) For one of the three, complete the outline provided in class for Deconstruction a Visual.

• Go to the AdBusters site and view the Spoof Ads for alcohol and tobacco. Complete the outline provided in class, Deconstructing a Visual.  

• Go to the Alcohol Advertising and Youth page and read the statistics about the relationship between advertisements and underage drinking.

• Create a one-page advertisement warning young people about the risks of alcohol consumption. You can use the Absolut format if you choose. Your advertisement should be eye-catching and colorful, and use both image and words to convey your message.

Name:_______________

Crabbe Quiz Journal 1-18

A. Thinking /15

1. TRUE OR FALSE Crabbe is keeping a journal as part of Dr. Browne’s treatment.

2. TRUE OR FALSE Silent Sam is Crabbe’s younger brother.

3. TRUE OR FALSE Mr. Peters is Crabbe’s favourite teacher.

4. TRUE OR FALSE When Crabbe set out on his trip, he was headed for New York.

5. TRUE OR FALSE Hypothermia is the reason Mary is hiding in the woods.

6. TRUE OR FALSE “Night lines” are what Mary uses to keep bears while they sleep.

7. TRUE OR FALSE Crabbe is ashamed when he realizes he wouldn’t have helped a

stranger the way Mary helped him.

8. TRUE OR FALSE Bannock is the name of the canoe that Crabbe is using.

9. TRUE OR FALSE The ‘big test’ Mary gives Crabbe is a navigation test using a compass.

10. TRUE OR FALSE Mary gives Crabbe a pipe as a gift on his birthday.

11. TRUE OR FALSE Crabbe and Mary fall in love while in the forest.

12. TRUE OR FALSE The people at the camp where Mary goes to replenish supplies are

college kids.

13. TRUE OR FALSE Crabbe uses steaks and ground beef to distract the dog at the camp.

14. TRUE OR FALSE Mary dies at the camp while trying to steal supplies.

15. TRUE OR FALSE Crabbe learns that Mary killed her husband for his money.

B. Application /15

Answer one of the following questions in complete sentences and paragraphs based on your understanding of the novel up to the end of Journal 18. Your response should be approximately 1 page long. (Use the back of this paper.)

1. Write a letter from Crabbe to his parents explaining why he ran away. Include the many reasons and situations that lead up to Crabbe leaving home.

OR

2. Write a letter from Mary to Crabbe explaining why she is living in the woods and discussing her feelings about having him join her there.

Name:_______________

Crabbe Quiz Journal 1-19

1. TRUE OR FALSE Crabbe is keeping a journal as part of Dr. Browne’s treatment.

2. TRUE OR FALSE Silent Sam is Crabbe’s younger brother.

3. TRUE OR FALSE Mr. Peters is Crabbe’s favourite teacher.

4. TRUE OR FALSE When Crabbe set out on his trip, he was headed for New York.

5. TRUE OR FALSE Hypothermia is the reason Mary is hiding in the woods.

6. TRUE OR FALSE “Night lines” are what Mary uses to keep bears while they sleep.

7. TRUE OR FALSE Crabbe is ashamed when he realizes he wouldn’t have helped a

stranger the way Mary helped him.

8. TRUE OR FALSE Bannock is the name of the canoe that Crabbe is using.

9. TRUE OR FALSE The ‘big test’ Mary gives Crabbe is a navigation test using a compass.

10. TRUE OR FALSE Mary gives Crabbe a pipe as a gift on his birthday.

11. TRUE OR FALSE Crabbe and Mary fall in love while in the forest.

12. TRUE OR FALSE The people at the camp where Mary goes to replenish supplies are

college kids.

13. TRUE OR FALSE Crabbe uses steaks and ground beef to distract the dog at the camp.

14. TRUE OR FALSE Mary dies at the camp while trying to steal supplies.

15. TRUE OR FALSE Crabbe learns that Mary killed her husband for his money.

/15

1. Where does the novel open?

2. Where are the rest of the teenagers?

3. Why is Crabbe where he is?

4. Who is Dr. Browne?

5. Describe Dr. Browne.

6. What are memory blanks according to Dr. Browne?

7. Why isn’t Dr. Browne impressed with Crabbe’s progress?

8. Why is Crabbe keeping a journal?

Name:________________________

Crabbe Quiz – Journal 1

1. TRUE OR FALSE At the beginning of the novel, Crabbe is a patient at Toronto General hospital.

2. TRUE OR FALSE Crabbe has had two toes amputated because of frostbite.

3. TRUE OR FALSE Dr. Green is Crabbe’s psychiatrist.

4. TRUE OR FALSE Crabbe can’t remember why he is in the hospital.

5. TRUE OR FALSE While in the hospital, Crabbe spends most of his time watching TV.

6. TRUE OR FALSE Crabbe is keeping a journal as part of his treatment.

Name:________________________

Crabbe Quiz – Journal 1

1. TRUE OR FALSE At the beginning of the novel, Crabbe is a patient at Toronto General hospital.

2. TRUE OR FALSE Crabbe has had two toes amputated because of frostbite.

3. TRUE OR FALSE Dr. Green is Crabbe’s psychiatrist.

4. TRUE OR FALSE Crabbe can’t remember why he is in the hospital.

5. TRUE OR FALSE While in the hospital, Crabbe spends most of his time watching TV.

6. TRUE OR FALSE Crabbe is keeping a journal as part of his treatment.

Name:________________________

Crabbe Quiz – Journal 1

1. TRUE OR FALSE At the beginning of the novel, Crabbe is a patient at Toronto General hospital.

2. TRUE OR FALSE Crabbe has had two toes amputated because of frostbite.

3. TRUE OR FALSE Dr. Green is Crabbe’s psychiatrist.

4. TRUE OR FALSE Crabbe can’t remember why he is in the hospital.

5. TRUE OR FALSE While in the hospital, Crabbe spends most of his time watching TV.

6. TRUE OR FALSE Crabbe is keeping a journal as part of his treatment.

Name:_____________

Crabbe Quiz – Journal 2-4

1. Crabbe’s parents are: a. both lawyers b. Both doctors c. Both police officers

d. None of the above

2. Crabbe is planning to run away to: a. New York b. Ithaca c. Disneyland

d. None of the above

3. Crabbe takes the camping equipment from the basement and hides it in: a. the garage

b. The shed c. His room d.None of the above

4. Crabbe gets clothes to take with him when he runs away from: a. A store

b. The laundry c. His dad’s closet d.None of the above

5. Crabbe plans to leave before: a. His birthday b. his final exams c. Summer vacation d. None of the above

6. Mr. Grant is Crabbe’s: a. Principal b. Teacher c. Friend

d. None of the above

7. Silent Sam is: a. A person b. A place c. A thing

d. None of the above

Name:_____________

Crabbe Quiz – Journal 2-4

1. Crabbe’s parents are: a. both lawyers b. Both doctors c. Both police officers d. None of the above

2. Crabbe is planning to run away to: a. New York b. Ithaca c. Disneyland

d. None of the above

3. Crabbe takes the camping equipment from the basement and hides it in: a. the garage

b. The shed c. His room d.None of the above

4. Crabbe gets clothes to take with him when he runs away from: a. A store

b. The laundry c. His dad’s closet d.None of the above

5. Crabbe plans to leave before: a. His birthday b. his final exams c. Summer vacation d. None of the above

6. Mr. Grant is Crabbe’s: a. Principal b. Teacher c. Friend

d. None of the above

7. Silent Sam is: a. A person b. A place c. A thing

d. None of the above

Crabbe-Culminating Activity

You must submit an outline, rough copy and good copy of one of the following:

1.  Newspaper Article                                                                     Write an article based on one of the key events of the novel.  Your article must be at least 250 words, it must be in proper newspaper article form and style and it must include an appropriate picture.

2.  Collage and Report                                                                        Create a collage that is based on the novel.  Choose at least ten pictures of key symbols, characters, setting, themes, etc. that relate to the novel.  Your collage must also have a title, heading or slogan.  With your collage, include a 150 word report that explains to why each picture in your collage is significant.

3. Map

Draw a map of the place where Crabbe went when he ran away. On your map, clearly mark where at least 7 events took place. On a separate piece of paper, explain why those 7 events are so important. Make sure you use colour on your map. (3D objects would also be great.)

Crabbe-Culminating Activity

You must submit an outline, rough copy and good copy of one of the following:

1.  Newspaper Article                                                                     Write an article based on one of the key events of the novel.  Your article must be at least 250 words, it must be in proper newspaper article form and style and it must include an appropriate picture.

2.  Collage and Report                                                                        Create a collage that is based on the novel.  Choose at least ten pictures of key symbols, characters, setting, themes, etc. that relate to the novel.  Your collage must also have a title, heading or slogan.  With your collage, include a 150 word report that explains to why each picture in your collage is significant.

3. Map

Draw a map of the place where Crabbe went when he ran away. On your map, clearly mark where at least 7 events took place. On a separate piece of paper, explain why those 7 events are so important. Make sure you use colour on your map. (3D objects would also be great.)

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