1. Identify and briefly define important words, terms, concepts, or characters.
Gardenias- any evergreen tree or shrub belonging to the genus Gardenia, of the madder family, native to the warmer parts of the Eastern Hemisphere, cultivated for its usually large, fragrant white flowers
52nd street between 5th and 7th avenue is mostly known for jazz clubs and lively street life
Sanatorium is a hospital for the treatment of chronic diseases, as tuberculosis or various nervous or mental disorders.
Narcotics Bureau was established in the Department of the Treasury by an act of June 14, 1930 consolidating the functions of the Federal Narcotics Control Board and the Narcotic Division.
Squawked- to utter a loud, harsh cry, as a duck or other fowl when frightened
2. Summarize the main idea, theme, action, or event of the reading. Be sure to include quotation that best captures the overall feeling or mood of the reading.
Billie Holiday mentions Tony Golucci who was one of her good friends. He had respect for her, not like her other so called friends. He said that he would always help/ support her financially. Holiday goes around looking for a sanatorium and finds one in Manhattan. It would cost them two thousand dollars for three weeks stay and everything there was promised to be confidential. As she finishes her three week course, she sees a man that she believes is a cop and is tailing her. Holiday thinks that someone in the hospital told the police and betrayed her. She goes on to talk about how there was a scandal in New York in the 1920’s dealing with the Federal Narcotics Bureau.
What really got to her was that when she was a nobody, no one cared about her, and no one bothered her. She’ll never forgive the people that changed her life.
3. Formulate a question for discussion. The question should be relatively substantial, based upon a specified passage or scene from the text, and capable of sustaining a thoughtful discussion.
After going through the sanatorium and finding out that someone told the law about her problems, how does that affect her trust in others?
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Excellent question, Yuliya!
ReplyDeleteThe act of telling the law about Holiday's problems was an act of betrayal. Based on the information from your post, Holiday comes off as someone "alone in a crowd." As if it is not enough to feel alone and outcasted, Holiday was betrayed. If no one was there to help her, why should she help anyone? This situation can definitely cause Holiday to trust no one.