Read the story and answer the following questions. You can work in pairs. Remember to send your answers to the Classroom.
1.
Comprehension
How did Mr
and Mrs Cleaver begin to ‘climb the social ladder’?
Why did
Tibbs find it difficult to get the best wine in the world?
Why did the
Cleavers’ guests not appreciate the best wine?
Why did
Tibbs leave the empty wine bottles on the sideboard for people to see?
What did
Tibbs say to leave the guests speechless?
2. Analysis
Summarise
the short story ‘The Butler’.
The author
has chosen two different styles of language for Tibbs and Mr Cleaver. Explain
what we learn about the characters and their life experiences from the way they
speak.
3.
Synthesis
Imagine
that a friend of yours has been invited to one of Mr Cleaver’s parties and has
written to you to ask about Mr Cleaver. Write a reply in which you describe his
character and his
appearance.
Imagine
that the butler has applied for another job. Write a letter of recommendation
for him. Make sure that you say both positive and negative things about him.
4.
Evaluation
Was the
butler right or wrong to do what he did? Why did he do it?
Do you
think the writer creates sympathy for the butler or for Mr Cleaver? Justify your answer with examples from the text.