Page 4 - Argument Graphic Organizer

12/27/2017
Name: Carlos Mayorga Date: Period: 4th

Questions for Study and Discussion
1. What does Gregory mean by “shame”?
Well Gregory means by “shame” is when people feel sorry for someone. When people have pity on someone that can
be terrible because it puts you under the spotlight of feeling worse that you already are.

2. How do the first three paragraphs of the essay help to establish a context for the narrative that follows?
In the first three paragraphs the context is established because it shows how the kid is struggling day by day

3. Why do you think Gregory narrates this episode in the first-person point of view? What would be gained or
lost if he instead wrote it in the third-person point of view?
I think Gregory narrates this short story in first-person view to show his readers his empathy. He convinces his readers
how vivid it can get when you are underprivileged and discriminated.

4. Specific details can enhance the reader’s understanding and appreciation of a narrative. Gregory’s
description of Helene Tucker’s manners or the plaid of his mackinaw, for example, makes his account vivid and
interesting. Cite several other specific details he gives and consider how the narrative would be different without
them.
“All she saw from the front of the room was a little black boy who squirmed in his idiot's seat and made noises and
poked the kids around him.”
“It was on a Thursday. I was sitting in the back of the room, in a seat with a chalk circle drawn around it.”
“Helene Tucker turned around, her eyes full of tears. She felt sorry for me.”
“The pipes were frozen again, there was no water in the house, but I washed my socks and shirt every night”

5. Consider the diction of this essay. What effect does Gregory’s repetition of the word shame have on you? Why
do you think Gregory uses simple vocabulary to narrate this particular experience?
Well it makes you realize how tough things got for the kid. This young kid had to struggle day by day feeling hungry and
in addition being discrimination as well. Gregory uses simple vocabulary not to confused his readers and also to allow
people to comprehend his message to show empathy.

6. How does society still continue to use negativity to keep people down? Why do people feel the need to point out
those who have less or who are different?
Well I believe people feel the necessity to point down those who have the least because this way they feel better about
themselves and makes them forget if they can obtain or achieve certain things.

7. Describe a time when you have been made to feel insignificant? How does that experience help you to feel
empathy toward Gregory?
When I was 5 years old my sister had to take care of a 1-year old baby. I always spent time with my sister playing soccer
and watching cartoons. The baby stood with us for an entire week. I felt that I wasn’t of any importance to my sister
because she stopped giving me attention. She didn’t have any time for me and I felt insignificant because I couldn’t
compete with the cuter little baby.

8. In what ways could Dick Gregory be considered an outlier?
*Well from this short story I would say he is portraying himself as the poor African-American kid.

Level 2 - Argumentative Essay Graphic Organizer