by Eloise Greenfield

Questions for Philosophical Discussion
by Lindsay Kurahara
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The meaning of sadness.

In the poem "Little Boy Blue," the little boy is sad and lonely while looking out of his window.

1. What are some things that you have been sad about?
2. How do you know when you are sad?
3. What does sadness feel like?
4. How does your body and mind feel when you are sad?
5. Is sadness always a bad thing?
6. Can someone you love make you sad?
   
   

The meaning of motherhood.

In the poem "Karen," Karen's mother is not there to put her to bed, so her sister takes her place and gives her "Mama's kisses" before she goes to sleep.

1. What does it mean to be a mother?
2. What does it mean to act like a mother?
3. Is it possible for someone to have more than one person who is their mother?
4. How can you be both someone's mother and their sister?
   

The meaning and nature of pride.

In the poem "Lawanda's Walk," Lawanda is too proud to admit to her father that she is tired, because she does not want to go to bed.

1. Are there any times that you can recall being proud?
2. What are some things that you are proud of?
3. What does it feel like to be proud? Is it possible to be too proud?
4. What does it mean to be proud?
   

The meaning of fear and the nature of dreams.

In the poem "Darnell," Darnell cannot fall asleep because he is scared, but he thinks that when he falls asleep his dreams will save him from his fears.

1. What are some things that you are afraid of?
2. What does it feel like to be afraid of something?
3. What is fear?
4. What does it mean to dream?
5. How do you know when you are dreaming?
6. How do you know whether or not you are dreaming right now?
7. Is it really possible for your dreams to save you from your fears?

In the poem, "Buddy's Dream," a boy named Buddy is dreaming about there being four of himself.

1. Is it possible for there to be four Buddys in "Buddy's Dream?"
2. If so, which one is the real him?

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