Question

paper in the pantry, and she wrapped the grail in it, and tied the package
with twine. then she cut a large slice of fruitcake and put it in a brown
paper bag, along with a banana and a slice of processed cheese in silver
foil.

galaad came back from the toilet. she gave him the paper bag, and the
holy grail. then she went up on tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek.

“you’re a nice boy,” she said. “you take care of yourself.”

he hugged her, and she shooed him out of the kitchen, and out of the
back door, and she shut the door behind him. she poured herself another
cup of tea, and cried quietly into a kleenex, while the sound of hoof-
beats echoed down hawthorne crescent.

analyze characterization
annotate: highlight the detail in paragraph 165 that
conveys mrs. whitaker’s emotional reaction after galaad
leaves.
infer: why do you think she reacts this way?

Explanation:

Annotate:

The detail that conveys Mrs. Whitaker's emotional reaction after Galaad leaves is: "She poured herself another cup of tea, and cried quietly into a Kleenex, while the sound of hoof - beats echoed down Hawthorne Crescent."

Infer:

Mrs. Whitaker likely reacts this way because she has developed a caring relationship with Galaad. Sending him off, especially with the Holy Grail and provisions, makes her feel a sense of loss or sadness as she cares about his well - being and will miss his presence. The act of crying shows her emotional attachment, and the quiet nature of her crying might indicate that she is trying to be composed on the outside but is deeply affected on the inside.

Answer:

• Annotate: "She poured herself another cup of tea, and cried quietly into a Kleenex, while the sound of hoof - beats echoed down Hawthorne Crescent."
• Infer: Mrs. Whitaker cares for Galaad; his departure makes her sad (emotional attachment, sense of loss).