"The Banana Tree" Review
When Gustus arrives at the swelling river, how does he manage to get to the other side without being able to walk across the bridge?
"Feeling like a man at sea in the heart of a storm, going up the mast of a ship...he dug his toes into the debris of the wrecked footbridge and climbed with maddened determination."
How old is Gustus?
13
Why does Gustus sit farthest from his father while they wait for the storm to pass?
Gustus feels his father doesn't doesn't understand him. For Gustus "strength is proven in the number of innings he can pitch for his cricket team," but to Pappy, "Cricket is Satan's game for idle hands!"
Why doesn't Gustus turn around and go home when the storm begins to over power him?
He doesn't have the strength
What do you learn about Gustus by the way he responds to conflict?
He is brave and determined because he risked his life to try to save the banana tree during a hurricane. He challenges the storm to a fight "He held up his fists" and said, "We fight like man an' man"
When Gustus arrives at the tree why does he hug it?
He is proud that it is still standing. He says, "My nable string! I know you would stand up to it, I know you would."
Why does Gustus have second thoughts during his journey to save the tree?
He realizes the strength of the storm is fierce and his original plan to save the tree seems foolish.
What reason does Gustus tell his father for leaving to go protect the banana tree?
He says, "I did want to by mi shoes, Pappy. I can't go anywhere because I have no shoes."
Why does Mr. Bates take off his boots when he finds out that Gustus risked his life to save the tree?
He takes his boots off to give to Gustus. He feels guilty that Gustus' dangerous behavior is because he didn't have shoes.
What does it show about Gustus' character that he thinks about turning around?
It shows that he is strong enough to change his mind when he realizes that he is wrong. And even though his plan was foolish, he realizes that he has come to far to go back.
What is the setting?
Jamaica, at a school house, during a hurricane
Who are the main characters?
Mr. Bass and his oldest son Gustus
How does Mr. Bass respond when he finds his son at home beneath the wreckage?
Mr. Bass feels overjoyed and relieved. He says, "Mi hurricane bwoy! The good Lord save you..."
In the "Banana Tree" what were the challenges of growing up?
Some ideas: Feeling misunderstood by a parent, learning that it is okay to be wrong and turn back, struggling to be honest with parents or adults about what you need or want
How do Mr. and Mrs. Bates feel about the storm?
They are not worried about it. Mr. Bass says,"It'll blow off. It'll spin itself out." Mrs. Bates says, "The good Lord won't give we more than we can bear."
tempestuous
Violently stormy
Calamity
a disastrous event
tormented
afflicted with great pain or suffering
relentlessly
continuing at the same strength and intensity
merciless
having or showing no mercy
impede
to slow the progress of
