Tears Of a Tiger study guide
How does Gerald relate the poem to himself?
He uses the poem in a fun way about being unable to write the poem.
What happened when Andy visited the school counselor?
He was told about graduation requirements.
Who does Andy confide/talk to on his first day back at school?
His coach
How is Macbeth similar to Andy?
Macbeth feels guilty about his wife committing suicide.
Who is Monty and how does Andy feel about Monty as compared to the rest of the family? Why is Andy worried about Monty?
Monty is Andy's younger brother. Andy is close to Monty and he feels like he should be a mentor to him. He is worried about Monty because he thinks he is more concerned about whites and the lack of attention from their parents.
How would you describe Gerald's home life?
Not good cause he get beat by his step dad
What does Ms. Blackwell compare poetry too?
Rap music
How does Keisha find out about the accident?
Rhonda´s mom called her.
What did Keisha do to calm Andy after he spoke to Rob's mother on the phone?
She sang "silent night".
What is the title of the poem that Ms. Blackwell reads to the class? What is it about?
"1968 winters" it is about black discrimination in a white world
Who was involved in the accident?
Andrew Jackson, Robert Washington, Tyrone and BJ were involved in the crash.
Who was closest to Rob?
Andy
Why does Andy think his parents don't understand him?
Andy feels disconnected from his parents since a lot of Andy's world centers around his athletic ability and playing basketball, he feels that his parents are missing a vital part of who he is.
What does Andy say about discrimination to Dr. Carrothers?
Andy says it's not a big deal because his father has a good job. Andy says he doesn't think about it one way or the other.
What does Andy believe is the reason the team won their first game after the accident?
Because Rob's parents were in attendance
Why does Andy wonder if Rob is cold?
Because his feet and hands are cold and he wonders if Rob is entirely cold while being dead at the cemetery.
Why might Andy remember the retaining wall larger than it actually was on the night of the accident?
Because it was a time when he almost committed suicide.
Why does Andy depend so much on Keisha?
Because she is his girlfriend and the only person that he can cry in front of.
Why does Gerald say that Andy and his friends "ended up buying five dollars worth of death"?
Because they used the $5 to buy a 6 pack of beer, which is what caused the accident.
How is B.J. different from his friends?
During the accident he wasn't drinking.
Where did Gerald get the scar on his face?
From when his stepfather hit him in the face with a radiator
What does B.J. say in his prayer?
He asked the lord why rob had to die and not him.
What does Monty ask Andy about dreams?
He asks if people dream in color or black and white.
Why is Andy upset with Keisha?
He doesn't know what to get her for Christmas.
What conclusions might be drawn about Andy after his session with Dr. Carrothers?
He feels at ease with him and can relate to him because he is a black, male.
How does Andy feel about taking Rob's position as the center?
He feels like he didn't deserve that position.
How does Andy feel about his parents?
He feels that they do not understand him.
What does Andy have to do to keep his basketball privileges?
He has to raise his grades.
What conclusions can be drawn about Gerald's stepfather?
He is a good, nice person.
Sometimes you get sick if bein' treated like dirt," Andy tells Dr. Carrothers. In what context does he make this statement?
He is referring to being discriminated against
What is Andy referring to in his poem when he says, "The storm clouds are forming/upon the peaceful sea"?
He means his depression is getting worse, while everyone else seems to be moving on.
What did B.J. have to say in regard to the passage from Macbeth?
He says that the only reason that he was so depressed was because he had been the cause of so much death that he couldn't find nothin' else good about livin'.
What does Andy see in his future? Why do you think he feels this way?
He sees darkness. He does not feel hopeful and feels guilty about the accident.
Why does Andy say he decided to write a letter to Rob's parents?
He thinks a letter would be easier vs. calling them on the phone.
How does Andy perceive his relationship with Keisha?
He thinks she is the only one who understands him
Why does Dr. Carrothers stop Andy's visits?
He thinks that Andy is stable and no longer needs to see him.
What does Coach tell Andy about crying?
He told Andy that it was ok to cry
What does Ms. Blackwell say about color bias changing?
She says that the attitudes about discrimination are changing and that it is up to them and future generations to put a stop to it.
Who escapes from the car first and why couldn't the boys rescue Rob from the car?
The car sent his legs through the windshield pinning him inside the car making him trapped. Andy escapes.
What caused the car crash?
The car was weaving across lanes because the boys had been drinking alcohol.
According to Ms. Blackwell, which colors are used to show the greatest amount of contrast in literature? What other colors can be used as metaphors?
The colors black and white. Black and blue,
Why does Andy run out of class when they are discussing Macbeth?
The topic of Macbeth hits home to him because he continues to feel guilty about the car accident
Why do Tyrone and B.J. visit the counselor?
They are worried about Andy and wanted to reach out for help.
Who is questioned first about the accident? Why?
Tyrone because he's gotten in trouble with the law in the past.
What information is given in Keisha's diary entry?
We learn that Keisha is worried about Andy and his behavioral change after Rob's death.
What is ironic about the title of Andy's poem?
What is ironic about the title of Andy's poem? The title is poem of hope
What lies does Andy tell Dr. Carrothers?
What lies does Andy tell Dr. Carrothers?
What is Andy's sentence? Is the judge lenient? Why or why not?
Yes the judge was lenient because the judge was going to give a life sentence.
Does Andy blame himself for the accident? Why?
Yes, Andy blames himself for the accident because he is the one who the alcohol, got drunk, drove and wrecked the car.
Why do you think Andy feels at ease with Dr. Carrothers?
because he is black
why does Andy go to school and then go back home?
because he's not thinking clearly
What does Andy mean when he says he is out of touch with reality?
he is depressed
What is Monty afraid of?
monsters and robots
