Richard Wright and the Library Card

By: William Miller

Biographical Sketch

• A biographical sketch is an example of literary nonfiction.

• It is based on facts, but the writer has made up some of the dialogue and scenes.

VOCABULARY

• REBEL: (noun) Soldier of the South during the Civil War.

• FUNNY PAPERS: (noun) comics section of newspaper.

• OPTICIAN: (noun) person who makes and sells eyeglasses.

Vocabulary….

Vocabulary….• SUSPICIOUS: (adjective) distrusting or

doubting.

• CAUTIOUSLY: (adverb) carefully, in order to avoid danger.

LISTEN AND ANSWER THE QUESTIONS

• How does Richard Wright feel about words?• What problems does Richard face in

Memphis?• How does Richard solve his problem?• How do library books change Richard’s views

on life?

HOMEWORK

• ANSWER THINK IT THROUGH QUESTIONS. (6 questions in all.)

• PAGE 212.- How important are books to Richard? What details show he loves reading?

• Books are very important to Richard. Details include: “loved the sound of words” and “the books he wanted so badly,” and “read whatever he could find.”

Think it through…

• PAGE 214. Richar wnts a library card. How do you think he might solve his poblem? What details tell you this?

• He will find a sympathetic coworker that will take him to the library or give him books to read.

Think it through…

• PAGE 216. How well did Richard’s plan work? What did he have to go through to get the books?

• Richard’s plan worked exactly as planned. Unfortunately he had to lie and humilliate himself in order to get the books he desired.

Think it Through…

1. How did the books Richard read change his life?– Reading books made him strong. They

changed some of his feelings toward and understandings about white people, and they made him long for freedom even more.

2. How might helping Richard have changed Jim Falk? Explain.

2. It probably changed the way he viewed black people, and helped him punderstand that people have the same feelings about life, education, and freedom regardless of their skin color.

3. Do you think reading books was worth the risk Richard Wright took? Why or why not?

(3 reasons)