So Much Unfairness of Things
What is the nature of P.S.'s request of God during 8:00 chapel?
Desperate
How does the "Toad Code" differ from the school's Honor Code? IN what ways are the two codes similar?
The Toad Code it a social code and the Honor Code is set by the school. They directly contradict each other.
What do you suppose precludes P.S.'s father from being able to "show how much he loved P.S."?
P.S. shut him out.
What is the significance of the Honor Committee's question as to whether or not P.S. would have turned Jumbo in if JUmbo had been the one cheating.
To see where P.S.'s morals lie.
What does the "ornate, wrought-iron gate" come to symbolize in the story.
Punishment for actions
Why is it so important to Mr. Seaton that P.S. understand why Jumbo turned him in and that Jumbo did P.S. "a favor"?
So P.S.'s realizes that cheating is wrong.
Why do you think the author characterizes P.S. as such a likable person?
So the reader will sympathize with him.
Using specific references and statements from the text, how would you describe the relationship between P.S. and his father?
Tension. They both want to contribute more, but don't know how.
Why can there be no "exceptions" to the Honor Committee's rule of immediate expulsion? Do you think this is fair? Why or why not?
Because if there were children would think they could cheat and get away with it. I think that is fair because they need to learn from their mistakes.
What does Dr. Fairfax's favorite expression "in point of fact" have to do with both the plot and the theme in the story?
Has to do with circumstances.
What detail lets the reader know that P.S. did not enter the exam room intending to treat? Does the fact that P.S. did not intend to cheat from the beginning make any difference?
He did not bring his notes with him. Yes, because it shows it was only impulse.
What does Mr. Seaton mean when he tells P.S. that "you are not a cheater".
He is not a cheater he just cheated one time.
How does P.S. know that the headmaster, Mr. Seaton, is distressed that P.S. cheated?
He keeps trying to figure out why P.S. cheated.
What exactly is so despicable about Nelson?
He makes P.S. feel worse that he already does.
How does P.S. rationalize his cheating? How does he "talk" to himslef into it during the exam?
He rationalizes by saying "no one will ever know" and "everything will be okay when its over"
What do we discover about Stuart Wilkinson when he struggles to find the right words for P.S.?
He's going to miss P.S.
What is P.S.'s biggest fear about flunking the Latin exam? Do you think this fear constitutes a just cause for cheating? Does this fear fully explain why P.S. cheats on the exam.
His biggest fear is dissapointing his father. It does not constitute a just cause for cheating however it explains why he did it.
What specific details are provided that indicate the nature of the family press that P.S. is under at V.P.S.
His father was such a great and well-rounded student. He is a 4th generation student.
What are some qualities of Dr. Fairfax's character that make him P.S.'s favorite teacher?
His sense of humor and understanding.
What are the specific arguments P.S. makes in favor of and against turing himself in?
In favor--- no more guilt Against--- expulsion father will be extremely mad
What is the irony in the statement "Therefore, against so much unfairness of things, various consequenses ensued" that is contained in the Latin passage that P.S. must translate?
It says what is happening to him in that very moment. The circumstances were persuading him to cheat.
What does it mean to feel like "ornament"?
Like a decoration; not important
Is Jumbo a believable character? Why or why not?
No, because to a teenage boy any social code is more important that a school code and he broke the social code.
What does the statement attributed to General Lee have to do with the school's sense of honor?
The school's sense of honor is to be a gentleman.
What is the significance of "framed engravings of Roman ruins" and "southern generals" that line the exam room walls?
They are at the same level of importance.
Explain fully the irony of P.S.'s "lucky exam tie" and the "lucky silver dollar."
They never made him lucky. They got him expelled.
What does it mean to "pledge one's honor as a gentlemen"? Why does this have a particular meaning at V.P.S.?
To pledge that you did not cheat and it is the only way that can be sure you did not cheat.
What is the symbolic significance of the "dozen silk handkerchiefs and a pair of warm gloves"?
Tradition
What is the most important question that the Honor Committee seeks an answer from P.S.? Why is P.S.'s answer to this question so hard fro Mr. Seaton to understand.
Why--- because he said I don't know and Mr. Seaton believes there must be a reason.
What is a nemesis?
a recurring enemy
What specific details about the setting are given by the author to help the reader understand the type of school V.P.S. is (and will always be)?
a traditional school
What does it mean to say that a tradition has demands that are "clear and unequivocal"?
direct and concrete
Why is C.D.B Bryan considered so masterful with the use of dialogue? How does this mastery relate to the ability to tell a really good story through realistic fiction?
he makes the reader feel as if they we P.S.
What does it mean to be a "testament" to someone or something?
to live up to the name