Question

major character: meg murry

textual reference—
“mrs. murry smiled. ‘why don’t you get meg to help you?’”
“but, see, i’m several grades above meg.”
context:
calvin seems doubtful so mrs. murry told him to ask meg for help.

inference about the character—
1.
2.
3.
commentary:

textual reference—
“meg, don’t get mad, but do you think maybe they don’t know?’ a slow tear trickled down meg’s cheek. ‘that’s what i’m afraid of.’”
context:

inference about the character—
1.
2.
3.
commentary:

textual reference—
“…i hate to break things up, but this is it, kids, this is it!’ his voice quivered with excitement. ‘this is what?’ calvin asked. ‘we’re going.’ ‘going? where?’ meg reached out and instinctively grabbed for calvin’s hand.”
context:

inference about the character—
1.
2.
3.
commentary:

Explanation:

First Table (Calvin and Mrs. Murry's dialogue)

1. From Calvin's response “I’m several grades above Meg”, we can infer that Calvin may look down on Meg's academic ability.
2. Mrs. Murry suggests Calvin ask Meg for help, implying she thinks Meg has the ability to assist.
3. Calvin's doubt (from the context note) shows he is reluctant to accept Meg's help due to perceived academic differences.

Commentary: This interaction reveals Calvin's initial underestimation of Meg and Mrs. Murry's confidence in Meg's capabilities, highlighting a contrast in their perceptions of Meg's skills.

1. Meg's tear and her agreement with the idea that “they don’t know” shows she is emotionally affected by a situation where others' ignorance is a concern.
2. Her fear (“That’s what I’m afraid of”) indicates she is worried about the consequences of others' lack of knowledge.
3. The context of the dialogue (though not fully filled) likely relates to a situation where others' ignorance impacts her, so she feels vulnerable or anxious.

Commentary: Meg's emotional response (tear) and fear reveal her vulnerability and concern about a situation tied to others' lack of awareness.

1. The speaker's excited voice (“quivered with excitement”) and “this is it” implies a significant, thrilling event is about to occur.
2. Meg's instinctive grab for Calvin's hand shows she is scared or seeking comfort in the face of the unknown (since they are “going” somewhere unknown).
3. Calvin's questions (“Going? Where?”) show confusion and curiosity about the upcoming event.

Commentary: The scene shows excitement for an event, Meg's fear/need for comfort, and Calvin's confusion, highlighting the tension and emotion around the upcoming journey.

Answer:

1. Calvin underestimates Meg's ability.
2. Mrs. Murry trusts Meg's ability.
3. Calvin is reluctant to ask Meg.

Commentary: Shows differing views on Meg's skills.

Second Table (Meg's tear and dialogue)