“HOME” by Gwendolyn Brooks NAME:_____________________________

Analysis Worksheet DATE:___________________PER.#_____

25 points Answer all questions in complete sentences to earn full credit.

1. What or who, specifically, is the main antagonist in this story? Then, what is the general,
classic conflict is in this story?

2. How do Mama and the girls feel before Helen sees papa returning? Quote a line from the
story that shows their emotions.

3. How do Mama and the girls feel as they watch Papa approaching the house? Quote a line
from the story that shows their emotions at this point in the story.

4. At the end of the story, Helen says that she plans to give a party. What does this idea suggest
about what she is feeling now? How does it contrast with what she said earlier about her friends
coming to the house?

5. Use a highlighter or other colored pen to mark three (3) passages on the story which show or
describe the love the family has for their home. Be prepared to discuss them in class.

6. What message about the importance of “home” does this story present to the reader? Tell
the name of a movie that you have seen (not E.T. or Oz) that presents a similar theme to the
viewer.

7. What other aspects of, or concepts within, human life might also be presented as “Universal
Themes” in stories, books, movies, or plays? Tell of at least two.

8.“Reading between the lines” is _______________________reading wherein the reader tries to

understand what is _________________________or “not directly said.” The reader needs to
make___________________________which are conclusions reached based on the details, “the
facts,” of the literature text.