Peace and Quiet

1. In the story “Peace and Quiet,” when does the resolution of Desha’s conflict begin?

• F. When Eliza looks at Desha’s journal

• G. When James finds Desha sitting on a rock

• H. When James talks to Desha about how family members support one another

• J. When Desha learns that James used to play the guitar

2. Read paragraph 8 from the story “Peace and Quiet.”

“Don’t you have a basketball game to watch?” I complained. So much for my perfect hideaway.

Based on the paragraph, what can the reader infer about Desha?

• A. She is annoyed that James found her.

• B. She is ashamed to admit that she is glad James found her.

• C. She is impressed that James knew where to find her.

• D. She is surprised that anyone was interested in finding her.

3. Which words from paragraph 12 of the story “Peace and Quiet” help the reader understand what prying means?

• F. looking through my journal

• G. watching the game

• H. went to my room

• J. to be alone for a change

4. What does the author’s use of simile in paragraph 17 of the story “Peace and Quiet” suggest about how Desha feels about her big family?

• A. Desha thinks no one wants to hear her practice the guitar.

• B. Desha thinks that there are too many people sharing a space.

• C. Desha feels a close bond with her sisters because they share a room.

• D. Desha is uncomfortable with others knowing about her personal life.

5. In the story “Peace and Quiet,” why is it important to the plot that James knows about the clearing in the forest?

• F. His knowledge reminds him of a place he can go when he needs help from a family member.

• G. His knowledge helps him recognize how quickly his sister is growing up.

• H. His knowledge makes it possible for him to find Desha and talk to her.

• J. His knowledge leads him to a place that reminds him of Daniel.

6. What is the best summary of the story “Peace and Quiet”?

• A Desha is a member of a large family. There is nowhere for her to be alone in the house, so she goes to her hiding place in the woods. While there she plays her guitar and her brother tells her that he used to play the guitar before he began learning to play the drums.

• B Desha is upset because her family decides to watch a basketball game instead of the movie she wants to watch. She leaves the house and goes to an area in the woods. Her brother explains that he used to visit the same spot.

• C Desha goes to a secret spot in the woods. Her brother finds her there and helps her learn to play chords on her guitar. They discuss some of the memories and experiences they share with their brothers and sisters.

• D Desha, a member of a large family, leaves the house when she cannot find anywhere to have time to herself. She goes to a quiet place in the woods to play her guitar. While there she has a conversation with her brother that changes her attitude toward her family.