1. "The master aimed a blow at Oliver’s head with the ladle; pinioned him in his arm; and shrieked aloud for the beadle." (This contains three alliterative phrases: "blow...beadle", "pinioned...pale" [though 'pale' isn't in this exact phrase, 'pinioned...pale' is nearby], and "shrieked...served" or "master...meat" if considering adjacent lines. A clearer example from the text is: "the gruel was served out; and a long grace was said over the short commons." - "served...short" or "gruel...grace". Another strong one: "He gazed in stupefied astonishment on the small rebel..." - "gazed...gruel" is not direct, but "stupefied...small" or "astonishment...assistance" are weak. The most evident is likely: "the boys whispered each other, and winked at Oliver" - "whispered...winked". Or perhaps: "He rose from the table; and advancing to the master, basin and spoon in hand..." - "rose...rising" isn't there. Let's use: "The master aimed a blow at Oliver’s head with the ladle; pinioned him in his arm; and shrieked aloud for the beadle." - focusing on "blow...beadle" as alliteration of 'b'. Alternatively, "A council was held; lots were cast who should walk up to the master after supper that evening, and ask for more;" - "council...cast" or "walk...who". The clearest is probably: "the boys whispered each other, and winked at Oliver" - "whispered...winked" both start with 'w'.)
2. The boys were extremely hungry. Words supporting this: "voracious", "wild with hunger", "desperate with hunger".
3. The council was likely a group of older boys or a committee chosen by the boys to decide how to handle their hunger. They decided that someone should ask for more food.
4. One of the boys, specifically Oliver Twist, was supposed to carry out the task of asking for more food.
5. The "gruel" was a thin, watery porridge, likely made from oats or similar grains, which was the main food provided to the boys.
6. The boys are living in a workhouse or orphanage under strict, harsh conditions. Their physical situation is starvation and malnutrition, as shown by their "voracious" hunger and desperation. Mentally, they are fearful and desperate, as indicated by whispering, winking, and being "paralyzed with wonder" and "with fear". Financially, they are destitute, dependent on charity, and have no control over their own sustenance, as evidenced by the need to petition for more food and the master's violent reaction.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of seventh grade comprehension worksheet.
