Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life

Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life

JEREMY FINK AND THE MEANING OF LIFE

By

Wendy Mass

QUESTIONS: PREFACE

  1. Read the quote by John Keats located directly before the book’s preface. What do you think this quote means?
  1. Read the first page of the book’s preface. What can you already tell me about Jeremy?
  1. Where do you think Jeremy’s box may have come from? Make a guess as to why you think the instructions would be “impossible to follow.”
  1. Name three characteristics of Lizzy when she is first introduced.
  1. How would you describe the relationship between Lizzy and Jeremy?
  2. Paraphrase or explain in your own words what happened to Jeremy’s father in Atlantic City.
  1. By the end of the Preface, it sounds as though Jeremy and Lizzy are about to embark on a sort of journey. What kind of journey do you predict it will be?

VOCABULARY STUDY:

Check the usage of the following words in the Preface. Research their definitions and write them down here:

  1. rickety:
  2. notorious:
  3. mutant:
  4. clammy:

Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life: Chapters 1 & 2

  1. Refer to the bottom of Page 2. What do you think Jeremy’s Dad’s motto means?
  1. Read the description of Jeremy’s mom at the top of page 5 and the description of their apartment on page 7. What do these descriptions tell us about Jeremy’s mom?
  1. Re-read the letter from Harold on pages 11-12. Make an educated guess as to what the letter might mean.
  1. Write a reaction to the last two sentences of Chapter 1 on page 13.
  1. Explain what “mongo” means (see page 15).
  1. On page 18, Jeremy questions himself about what his strength is: “What is my strength? Do I even have a strength? Maybe I have too many strengths, and that’s why I can’t think of just one.”

What do you see as one of your strengths?

  1. Why does Jeremy think that he and his fish are alike (page 19)?
  1. Refer to page 23. Identify a simile Jeremy uses to describe how he feels when his mother first sees the box. Remember: similes are comparisons using the words “like” or “as.”
  1. What does it tell us about Jeremy’s dad that he had a story behind every object he found?
  1. Why do you think Jeremy’s mother isn’t angry with him for opening up the package without her consent?
  1. Make a prediction right now about what you think may be in the box. There are no wrong answers here – just guess!

VOCABULARLY REVIEW: Review how the following words are used in the text. Research their definitions and write them next to each word listed. Page numbers are in parentheses.

  1. debut (3):
  2. haphazardly (3):
  3. quarantined (6):
  4. plague (6):
  5. qualms (9):
  6. reminiscing (12):
  7. mesmerized (13):
  8. handiwork (13):
  9. fateful (15):
  10. vital (15):
  11. recap (16):
  12. intricate: (17):
  13. wistfully (17):
  14. inevitable (21):
  15. allotted (22):

Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life: Chapters 3 & 4

  1. Why do you think Jeremy dislikes surprises so much? What does this reveal to us about his character?
  1. The “Hour of Jeremy” is between 11 and 12 at night. What does Jeremy like to do during this hour? What would be your hour and what would you do during that time?
  1. Explain what happens at Larry’s Locks and Clocks. What is Larry Sr.’s opinion about whether they will be able to open Jeremy’s box?
  1. Jeremy states, “Lizzy doesn’t like to admit there’s something she can’t do. I don’t have that problem. I know I can’t do most things.” Are you more like Lizzy or Jeremy? Explain.
  1. A man on the subway mistakes Lizzy and Jeremy for brother and sister. What does this tell us about the nature of their relationship?
  1. One of Jeremy’s dad’s favorite quotes was, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” What do you think this means? Do you own something that is a “treasure” to you, but might be considered “trash” to others? Explain.
  1. What though makes Lizzy sad or mournful after they visit the key booth at the flea market?
  1. Lizzy believes that it’s pointless to know a lot of useless facts. Jeremy disagrees. What is your opinion? Explain.
  1. Why does vendor at the flea market give Jeremy an old key as a gift?

VOCABULARY REVIEW: Review how the following words are used in the text. Research their definitions and write them down next to each word. Page numbers are in parentheses.

overshadow (26):

guzzle (30):

resistance (33):

vindicated (35):

scrutinize (35):

tentatively (36):

descend (40):

sheepishly (41):

oblivious (43):

accomplice (44):

transgression (45):

obnoxious (50):

rationalization (51):

trustworthy (55):

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