Close Reading of The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Chapter 11 - ‘Halloween’ (p77-81)

Today we will be closely reading Chapter 11 ‘Halloween’.

1. Re-read the chapter to familiarise yourself with what happens in this part of the text.
2. Select one of the below pathways depending on your level of confidence. Feel free
to switch depending on how you find it, or undertake multiple pathways.

Pathway A
1. Summarise five key events in this chapter
2. Identify the characters involved and at least one detail we learn about each of them
3. Describe Junior’s decision to raise money with Penelope
4. Select two powerful quotes from this chapter, then explain the ideas or meaning in
each of them

Pathway B
1. Examine five key quotes from this chapter, demonstrating how each reveals
something about a character or idea
2. Explain the importance of this scene in Junior’s time at Reardan
3. Compare the different reasons Junior and Penelope dress as homeless people
4. Infer two reasons why you believe Junior imagines Rowdy giving him the advise at
the end of the chapter

Pathway C
1. Propose a message that Alexie wants his readers to learn through this scene
2. Justify whether you feel Junior’s feelings towards Penelope are healthy, defending
your interpretation with language from the chapter
3. Analyse the text in a structured paragraph in response to the below prompt:
‘The title’s claim of “Absolutely True” is inconsistent with Junior’s frequent habit of
lying.’ To what extent do you agree?