The 7th most important thing quiz

Explain the symbolism of the lightbulbs.

symbolize family/light/hope. Connects to Arthur’s heart-warming moment with his Mother while decorating their Christmas tree.

Explain the symbolism of the foil.

friendship.  Squeak brings foil in his lunch box everyday which Arthur needs for the art project.  Their emerging friendship is important to Arthur’s redemption.  Squeak is supportive and kind to Arthur who seems to lack friends.

Explain the symbolism of the mirrors.

release of rage. Arthur feels free from his anger when he smashes the mirrors for the art project.  He let’s go of the anger he has been penting up from his father’s death.

Explain the symbolism of the pieces of wood.

building new relationships.  Roger (Mom’s new boyfriend) builds a charming birdhouse out of wood for the family.  This in turn helps Arthur realize how important he is becoming to his Mother.

Explain the symbolism of the glass bottles.

 release of guilt.  Mr. Hampton confides in Arthur that he used to hang glass bottles from trees as a child with his mother as a symbol of releasing guilt.  Arthur apologizes to Mr. H for throwing the brick.

Explain the symbolism of the coffee cans.

dedication.  Arthur collects donations to save the art project by using coffee cans.

Explain the symbolism of the cardboard.

Cardboard message: “Fear Not”. This message left by Mr. Hampton for the art project symbolizes to Arthur that he must keep going in life and not be afraid.

What is the setting of the story?

Washington, D.C. 1963

What is the initial conflict?

Arthur throws a brick at Mr. Hampton’s head because he is wearing his father’s hat.

What themes does the story explore?

Redemption

Forgiveness

Finding value in discarded objects

What does the “junk” in the story symbolize?

Sometimes people find value in discarded objects.

Beauty can be found in anything.

What is the genre of the book?

Historical Fiction

How does grief play a role in the story?

Arthur’s initial anger after his father’s death creates the problem when he throws a brick at Mr. Hampton.

Explain the importance of Officer Billie in the story.

Officer Billie represents structure, discipline, no excuses.  She shows her softer side once Arthur starts following the rules

Explain how Arthur’s attitude towards Roger changes throughout the story.

At first Arthur does not want to give Roger a chance or even know him. But then once he realizes how happy his Mom is and that Roger is a good guy, he accepts him.

Explain Arthur’s relationship with his sister, Barbara.

Typical- she is much younger so she irritates him at times but they both care about each other.

Explain how the idea of reputation is explored in Arthur’s school.

The vice principal never sees past Arthur’s reputation as a delinquent. It teaches Arthur and readers that some people may never give you a chance but you can’t give up.

Explain how Arthur is an example of a dynamic character.

A dynamic character is one that changes throughout a story. Arthur changes from an angry, grief-stricken teen to a happy, hard-working individual who is learns to move on in life and always do his best. He has become mentally and physically stronger through his experiences with Mr. Hampton and everything he learns for the past year of the book. He also learns to see the value of things and give everything a chance before giving up.