West Side Story Act 1 Scene 4

West Side Story Act 1 Scene 4

Pages 24-33

Scene 4 Page 25

Read and Discuss Together

Multiple Choice

RL.1.1 Cite Evidence

After reading paragraphs 1-2 on page 24, how do we visually see a divide between the two gangs?

• Actually, a converted gymnasium of a settlement house, at the moment being used as a dancehall, disguised for the occasion with streamers and bunting.

• Both gangs are jitterbugging wildly with their bodies, but their faces, although they are enjoying themselves, remain cool, almost detached.

• The line between the two gangs is sharply defined by the colors they wear: the Jets, girls as well as boys, reflecting the colors of the Jet jackets; the same is true of the Sharks.

• The dancing is physical and emotional release for these kids.

Multiple Choice

RL.1.1 Make an inference. (Inference=An educated guess based on clues you've received.)

Paragraph 2

"Both gangs are jitterbugging wildly with their bodies, but their faces, although they are enjoying themselves, remain cool, almost detached."

Despite the fact that it's a dance, the two gangs are described as "detached". They aren't fully able to enjoy themselves. Make an inference as to why they can't fully enjoy themselves.

• They hate the music they are listening to.

• They know about Riff's intentions to challenge Bernardo and are nervous.

• They don't want to be at the dance tonight.

Multiple Choice

RL.1.1 Make an inference. (Inference=An educated guess based on clues you've received.)A brief consultation, and RIFF starts across - with lieutenants - to make his challenge to BERNARDO, who starts - with his lieutenants - to meet him. The moment is brief but it would be disastrous if a smiling, overly cheerful young man of about 30 did not hurry forward. HE is called GLAD HAND, and he is a "square")

Make an inference. What would have happened if Glad Hand didn't show up in that moment?

• Riff would say bad things to Bernardo.

• A brawl would have broken out between the Jets and the Sharks.

• Riff would have gotten arrested.

• The dance would have been moved to the next night.

Page 26

Read and discuss.

Page 27

Read and Discuss

RL.1.3 Character Choices

Think about Glad Hand's desire to bring the two groups together. It inevitably fails. As you watch the dance scene, think about what this means for the two gangs.

Open Ended

RL.1.3 Character Choices

Despite Glad Hand's best efforts to bring two groups together, it simply doesn't work out. The Sharks and Jets ignore his instructions.

This dance was meant to bring these two groups together. They refuse to cooperate.

How do you think their inability to come together will affect the story later on?

When answering, make sure you capitalize and use proper punctuation.

Pages 28-29

Read and Discuss

Pages 30-31

Read and Discuss

Bernardo: Stay away from my sister!

Tony: ...Sister?

Bernardo [to Maria]: Couldn't you see he's one of them?

Maria: No; I saw only him.

Multiple Choice

RL.1.1 Make an inference. (Inference=An educated guess based on clues you've received.)

What does Maria mean when she says "No; I saw only him."

• She means that she couldn't see any of the other dancers because of how many people there were at the dance hall.

• She means that she couldn't see very well.

• She means that she didn't see him as a Jet. She saw him as a person.

• She means that she thought he was so cute that she couldn't see any of the other guys at the dance.

Pages 32-33

Read and Discuss

Multiple Choice

RL.1.1 Cite the evidence that best supports the answer.

Look at page 31 carefully. Why have Bernardo and Riff decided to wait half an hour to hold their war council?

• They don't want to fight before midnight.

• Bernardo did not want to leave the women alone at the dance.

• Riff didn't want to leave the girls alone until midnight.

• Officer Krupke was still there.

Open Ended

RL.1.1 Make an inference. (Inference=An educated guess based on clues you've received.)

How would you describe the way that Tony feels for Maria at this point in the musical? Do you think it is rational for him to be feeling this way about her?

Read the 2 questions carefully and answer in complete sentences.