Dark They Were and Golden-Eyed

Skim through the lines of text. With the exception of line 215, what do all the lines have in common?

Look for the phrases they reasoned, they sounded so sensible, and they all said in lines 213-217. Who does they refer to? (Check previous text if needed.)

In lines 214-215, what decision is Bittering wrestling with? (Check previous text if needed.)

Note the repeated word in paragraph 215. What does the repetition tell you about Bittering's true feelings?

In line 215, the author uses specific words and phrases to express Bittering's inner struggle: cried part of himself, deep down, put away, locked tight, suffocating. Discuss what this description tells you about the way Bittering has changed.

With a partner, discuss the meaning of the word, suffocating, in line 215. Is Bittering literally suffocating? Why might the author have chosen this word?

In lines 213-218, note how many times the word autumn is repeated. What effect does this repetition have on the reader? On Bittering?

In line 218, the author writes that Bittering is: feeling his flesh melt in the hot liquid air. In one or two creative sentences, rewrite this description as if you are the one feeling the heat.

In lines 219-220, what is significant about one of the men referring to the Tirra Canal instead of the Roosevelt Canal?