Eng. Reading 19
Mr. Shimada
June 9, 1997

The Assistant, Chapter 4 (pp. 71-93)

　

  1. When Morris came down, what kind of arrangement did he make with Frank? Why was Ida not satisfied with this arrangement? (pp. 71-74)
  2. What made Morris "severely struck his chest"? (p. 74)
  3. Why and how did Morris came to America?
  4. Why do you think Morris says to Frank, "A young man without a family is free. Don't do what I did"? (p. 77) How does Frank react to this?
  5. How does Morris react when Frank has asked him why he does not cheat his customers? (e.g. "Why don't you try a couple of those tricks...(p. 78))
  6. Why does Frank continue to "steal"? Note the following:

He would stop for a few days then almost with relief go back to it. (p. 78)

Besides, he planned to return everything some time... (p. 78)

This was an old feeling of his. (p. 78)

He was afraid to look into the mirror... (p. 78)

He felt gentle to people... (p. 79)

  1. Explain about Al Marcus and Breitbart. What kind of people does Frank conclude Jews are?
  2. How does Helen feel about Nat now?
  3. Why did Frank get the gun? Note the passage: "...he had this terrific idea that he was really an important guy..." (p. 84)
  4. In Frank's mind how does the "hold-up" relate to Helen? Why do you think he thinks this way?
  5. Why does Helen say, "It feels like snow"? (p. 86) How does she feel about Frank?
  6. What story does Frank tell about St. Francis? Why does he tell it? What do you think is the implication of the story?
  7. What books are Frank and Helen reading? What do you think is the significance of the books they are reading? (i.e. What do they reveal about them?)
  8. Do you think Frank is seriously thinking about going to college himself? If not, why does he say so to Helen?
  9. Comment on the following: "Yet his face, even with the broken nose, was sensitive in the dark light." (p. 91)
  10. What kind of story does Frank tell Helen on their way home? Why do you think he tells the story? Does Helen think it a true story? Do you?
  11. How does Helen feel about Frank at the end of this chapter? And how do you feel about him?