Ms. Walker “The Treasure of Lemon Brown” Walter Dean Myers

Literary Focus The Writer’s Background Writers often draw on their own backgrounds to create a story. The setting of the story is Harlem, where Myers grew up in the ‘40s.

Vocabulary Terms 1. impromptu: adj.; unplanned 2. tentatively: adv.; in an uncertain or hesitant way 3. intently: adv.; with close attention 4. brittle: adj.; having a sharp, hard quality; ready to break 5. ominous: adj.; threatening

Review Questions Q1. In your opinion, why does Greg decide not to tell his father about Lemon Brown?

Question 1 Answer Q1. In your opinion, why does Greg decide not to tell his father about Lemon Brown? Answer: Perhaps Greg fears his father will punish him for entering the tenement; maybe Greg decides to keep this experience a secret in order to treasure it more.

Question 2 Q2. In your opinion, why does Greg decide not to tell his father about Lemon Brown?

Question 2 Answer Answer: Q2. In your opinion, why does Greg decide not to tell his father about Lemon Brown? Answer: Greg learns that people are not always what they appear to be. He comes to view the idea of treasure in a new light; he realizes that his father wants to pass on something valuable to him.

Question 3 Q3. What does Lemon Brown mean when he says that everyone’s got a treasure?

Question 3 Answer Answer: Q3. What does Lemon Brown mean when he says that everyone’s got a treasure? Answer: He means that everyone has something of personal value, even if it appears worthless to others.

Question 4 Q4. Lemon Brown says, “If you know your pappy did something, you know you can do something too.” What does he mean? Do you agree? Explain.

Question 4 Answer Answer: Q4. Lemon Brown says, “If you know your pappy did something, you know you can do something too.” What does he mean? Do you agree? Explain. Answer: He might mean that the achievements of parents can encourage children to achieve.

Reading Check PLOT Basic situation: Because Greg is angry with his father, he does not go ______. Event 1: He goes into the _______ to get out of the ______. Event 2: Greg meets _____. Event 3: Thugs enter intending to steal Brown’s _____. Climax: Greg and Brown ______________. Resolution: Smiling, Greg goes _____.