Kristin Hunter

 Check cashing service centers usually tend to be located in poor neighborhoods. While we are not certain, it is implied that the narrator lives in a poor neighborhood.

 The man behind the counter is rude and condescending to the old woman.  The narrator feels angry about the way she is treated.  We can infer that the narrator is kind and caring. He has a sense of integrity and does not want innocent people to be taken advantage of.

 We can infer that old man Silver and old man Dollar exploit their customers and look down on them. We can tell that they are only concerned about money, which is why the author gives them the names “silver” and “dollar.”

 James’ mother reacts calmly. She points out that not everybody has had the same advantages as James and that it is not their fault..

 James’ mother likely does this to humble James and to explain to him that it is no fault of those who have had difficult lives.

 I NSIGHT QUESTION! STUDENT ANSWER NEEDED  James’ mother probably tells James about the scribes because…………..  We can compare the scribes to (whom in our society?)………….

 James sets up a booth outside of the check cashing service center and becomes a free-service public scribe..

 We can infer that life for many African Americans in this setting is very difficult. It is likely that the type of exploitation happening at the check cashing center is NOT rare.

 James decides to secretly try to convince people to go to the bank.

 The old woman tells James that he should not be afraid of trying new things. She tells him about how she left Alabama. James then considers going to City Hall and applying for a business license.