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

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.

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

• explodes

• fades

• grows

• melts

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

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

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,”

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. 

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.”

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. 

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.