Tears of a Tiger

When Andy's father threatens to punish his son if he doesn't get his grades up, how does Andy respond?

• Andy starts to shake and cry, telling his dad he's going to commit suicide.

• Andy tells his father there's no way to hurt him since he deals with hurt every day.

• Andy threatens to run away from home and never speak to his parents again.

• Andy punches the wall in the kitchen, making his father realize something is very wrong with his son.

Why does Andy's father always call him "Andrew"?

• He thinks Andrew is a powerful name since it means fortune and strength, so he uses it when he speaks to his son hoping the meaning of his name will have some affect on Andy's life.

• He had a friend in high school named Andy and didn't want to be reminded of him, so he always called him by his full name.

• He wanted people to think of Andrew Jackson when they heard his name since he was one of the most respectable presidents in the nation's history.

• He wants Andy to have a name that would help him assimilate into the business world, one that would help him find success, and one that would suit a special young man.

Which three people does Andy try to call before he kills himself, and what response does he get from each?

• His mom who is working on stuff for the homeowners' group, his dad who is working late at the office, and his brother who is too young to understand.

• He calls Rhonda, who is busy hanging out with Tyrone, Keisha, who is studying, and his coach, who is not at home.

• He calls Dr. Carrothers, who is out of town and cannot take the call, Keisha, whose mother answers and says she's asleep, and his basketball coach, who is not home.

• He calls Tyrone, who is out on a date with Rhonda, Keisha, who is still mad at him from the talent show, and B.J., who is at church.

Why does Andy think tigers have it rough?

• They are forced to endure the horrible conditions at the zoo.

• They have no freedom and learn they must stay in their place.

• They are bred for entertainment and fighting and nothing else.

• They have to live alone in the world without anyone for comfort or companionship.

How does Andy kill himself?

• He jumps off an overpass into heavy traffic.

• He slits his wrists and bleeds out in the bathroom.

• He shoots himself in the head with his father's shotgun.

• He overdoses on pain medication left over from the accident.

What does Monty see on the ceiling?

• A note

• A hole from the shotgun

• A noose

• Blood

Why is Tyrone mad at the suicide prevention/grief counseling woman at their school?

• He is angry because she is putting all the blame of Andy's suicide on the student body for not noticing his depression and trying to help.

• He is angry because he called the hotline, and no one ever contacted Andy to see if he was okay until two days after his suicide.

• He is angry because she doesn't know how to help the student body deal with Andy's suicide. All her suggestions don't seem to help anyone feel better about what happened.

• He is angry because he and BJ went to the school counselor with their concerns about Andy and his depression, but no one did anything until it was too late.

What does the grief counselor suggest Andy's friends should do to try to work through their pain and frustration over Andy's death?

• Pray for help dealing with the pain

• Write a letter to Andy explaining how they feel

• Attend a grief counseling seminar at the community outreach center

• Share their feelings one at a time while others listen

How do Andy's friends react to his suicide?

• They are all depressed and upset. Tyrone and BJ even consider committing suicide themselves from having to deal with the pain.

• They are all stunned and don't know why it happened. Everyone at school thought Andy was completely happy

• They are all very upset and angry. They have a difficult time understanding why he did it and feel like he took a coward's way out.

• They are not very surprised. Most students knew Andy was suffering and his suicide didn't come as much of a shock.

What does Monty say he will never forget?

• He'll never forget that when he grows up he will be a tiger like his brother

• He'll never forget that it's okay to put tears on a tiger.

• He'll never forget that tigers have to die sometime.

• He'll never forget that his brother was as strong as a tiger.