Salvador Late or Early

1. This story can best be described as exploring the theme of — (6A)

• 1. the loss of a child’s innocence under the weight of expectation to take on family responsibilities 

• 1. children need adventures to learn and grow

• 1. money buys happiness

• 1. sibling friendships are the strongest

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1. How do the details the author uses to describe Salvador change from the beginning of paragraph 1 to the end of paragraph 2? (6B)

• 1. At first the details make Salvador seem smart, and then they make Salvador seem lazy.

• 1. At first the details make Salvador seem silly, and then they make Salvador seem serious. 

• 1. At first the details make Salvador seem cruel, and then they make Salvador seem lonely.

• 1. At first the details make Salvador seem unlikeable, and then they make Salvador seem caring.

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1. In paragraph 3 “dissolves” most closely means — (2B)

• explodes

• fades

• grows

• melts

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1. Salvador’s stature is best exemplified in the description of — (8D)

• 1. His small frame and how it makes him feel out of place among his peers

• 1. His impressive athletic ability, which makes him stand out among his classmates

• 1. His leadership role in school activities, showcasing his popularity and charisma

• 1. His tall stature that commands attention and respect from others

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1. The tone throughout most of the story can best be described as — (8F)

• 1. Sympathetic - evoking empathy for Salvador’s challenges and aspirations

• 1. Joyful - celebrating Salvador’s achievements and happiness

• 1. Satirical - using humor to critique social issues or characters

• 1. Indifferent - showing a lack of concern for Salvador’s plight or experiences

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1. Which sentence from the story best supports the idea that Salvador is lonely? (4F)

• 1. “Salvador whose name the teacher cannot remember, is a boy who is no one’s friend,”

• 1. “Salvador, late or early, sooner or later arrives with the string of younger brothers ready.”

• 1. “Salvador inside that wrinkled shirt, inside the throat that must clear itself and apologize each time that it speaks,”

• 1. “Salvador with eyes the color of caterpillar, Salvador of the crooked hair and crooked teeth,”

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1. In paragraph 2, what can the reader infer about Salvador’s relationship with his siblings? (6B)

• 1. Salvador feels responsible for his younger brothers and often takes charge in situations. 

• 1. Salvador has a distant relationship with his siblings and rarely interacts with them.

• 1. Salvador enjoys playing with his younger brothers and encourages them to be carefree. 

• 1. Salvador is annoyed by his siblings and often wishes they would be more careful. 

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1. Which sentence from paragraph 3 best foreshadows Salvador’s future life struggles? (8D)

• 1. “Inside the throat that must clear itself and apologize each time that it speaks.”

• 1. “In that cage of the chest where something throbs with both fists and knows only what Salvador knows.”

• 1. “Inside that body too small to contain the hundred balloons of happiness, the single guitar of grief.”

• 1. “Grows smaller and smaller to the eye, dissolves into the bright horizon.”

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1. In paragraph 2, what is the effect of the author’s use of figurative language? (metaphor) (8D)

• 1. It creates a vivid image of chaos and the innocence of childhood.

• 1. It emphasizes Salvador’s authority and leadership over his siblings.

• 1. It conveys a sense of urgency and the hectic nature of family life.

• 1. It highlights the emotional weight of Salvador’s responsibilities. 

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1. The protagonist faces a major challenge over how to — (6B)

• 1. Navigate the responsibilities of caring for his younger siblings while seeking his own identity. 

• 1. Overcome his fears of being late to school disappointing his family. 

• 1. Maintain friendships while dealing with the pressures of family life.

• 1. Balance his creative aspirations with the practical demands of everyday life.

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