Comprehension Questions
Long Way Down - Jason Reynolds
Name Perendez
LONG WAY DOWN
JASON
Prologue
REYNOLDS
Pages 1-70
The story begins with our narrator Will, telling us (the reader) that he is going to tell us a story that we
probably won't believe. He assures us
again and again, that the story is true.
Language Features - Perspective: Long Way Down is written with a first-person narrative perspective. It is as
if Will is telling us the story himself. Notice how
Will addresses us (the reader) directly. This is called "Breaking
the Fourth Wall", where a
character reaches out to speak directly to the reader. It brings us closer to
Will,
developing a personal connection, almost as if he
is our friend.
1. In "THE SADNESS", Will says it is hard to explain how he is feeling. Will makes analogies to
communicate what sadness is like. What part
of Will's description stands out to you the
most?
Consider a quotation that you feel is compelling.
Will says that it feels weird to say his brother is dead, but it is not surprising.
2. How old is Will?
3. Will discusses his experience hearing gunfire saying things like "did what we've all been traine
to" (10) and "waited like we always do for the rumble to
stop" (11). What does this suggest to
the reader about Will and the neighbourhood he lives
in
?
Will sees that the only dead body is his brother Shawn. Will compares seeing his brother dead to
being in an earthquake.
Will lists the three things that always happen in his neighbourhood when someone is killed.
4. What is No. 1?