Truman Capote's “Jug of Silver” (1945)

Name: _________________________________________________________________ Period: _________________
Truman Capote’s “Jug of Silver” (1945)
A bit about the author:
• Born in New Orleans on September 30, 1924.
• Childhood friend of Harper Lee, author of To Kill a Mockingbird.
• Author of In Cold Blood and Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
• Passed away on August 25, 1984.
Directions: Complete this class worksheet as we read Capote’s story “Jug of Silver”. Pay
particular attention as we read, to Capote’s use of descriptive language. He vividly describes
people, places, and events. (He uses lots of direct characterization, too!)
1. The story takes place in _________________________________________________________. (Setting)
2. What is the point-­‐of-­‐view in this story? ________________________________________________ (PoV)
3. Describe the following characters from the story. Summarize the narrator’s description:
• Mr. Marshall:
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• Rufus McPherson:
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• Hamurabi:
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• Appleseed:
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• Middy:
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4. Why did Mr. Marshall fill the jug with silver and keep it in his shop? _________________________________
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5. How does Capote use voice to characterize Appleseed and his sister Middy? _________________________
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6. What is Appleseed’s strategy for guessing the amount of change in the jug? _________________________
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7. Why do you think Hamurabi tries to discourage Appleseed from guessing? __________________________
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8. Hope and false hope are both strong themes in this story. Support this statement in a short
response that uses details from the text. Discuss how the jug of silver represents hope in the eyes of
Appleseed and his sister, but false hope from Hamurabi’s perspective.
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In the story, citizens were allowed to take a guess after making a purchase in the Valhalla
drugstore. All you have to do is complete this worksheet, take your guess, and hand it in for a
class work grade. Good luck!
The Wellwood Jug of Silver contains how many pieces? __________________________________