1. “War of the Wall” by Toni Cade Bambara
Book Club discussion

2. Thinking about narrator’s perspective…
Discuss the point of view in the story. Make a case
for first person
over third person omniscient.
Or vice versa.

3. Describe the narrator. What is his demeanor? Is he
curious about the
Painter lady? Is he dismissive? Does he have a churlish
attitude?
Is he resentful, angry? Why?

4. Did the painter take the wall from the people of
The community? Or did she give the community the wall?
Did the narrator’s point of view change?

5. Talk about the painter’s interactions in the community.
How does her demeanor affect the story?

6. Talk about the artist’s point of view. What were her
Thoughts as she was painting the wall?

7. Everything in the story leads the reader to believe that the
Painter lady doesn’t care about the neighborhood. How does the author
convince the reader she doesn’t care. Use your book to cite specific
instances. Was the ending a surprise?

8. Following up on the story’s conclusion,
talk about the inscription.
Is it completely responsible for
changing the author’s mind? Why or why not?

9. What did the narrator expect from the painter?
What did the painter actually do? Do the answers to those questions
help you generalize about human behavior?

10. Theme is an abstract idea that communicates the “big idea”
The author is trying to convey. It is a general word or phrase that makes a statement
about life. What message do you think the author of “War of the Wall” was trying to
give? Some common themes we will run into this year include: friendship, courage,
hope, trust, justice, respect, violence, race-relations, love, freedom, childhood,
growing up, and family. Would acceptance, tolerance heroism, or pride suit this
work better? Choose an idea that you think describes the theme .
Use your textbook to back your point of view.

12. We will be working on a “theme project
We will be working on a “theme project.” Your paper should have the word
or phrase you think represents the theme of the story and an explanation of
Why you think so. Cite the text to back up your opinion.
You will be illustrating your theme and theme statement. Create a rough
Draft today. We will have a class work day tomorrow. Due Friday. 30 points.