Why do you think the nurse and the police were burnt out and bitter?
Why did Velma hope her brother would stab her?
Velma paints a clear picture of poverty. How do you think poverty affects people's lives?
Read the second and third paragraph on p.148. Do you think alcoholism is a disease? Research alcoholism on the Internet. Write a short report on the causes and effects of alcoholism. Use the reference cards on Handout 3 to keep track of the websites you use for your research.
What are the characteristics of Velma's mother when she is drunk and when she is sober? Use the chart on Handout 4 to record your answer.