Ball Hawk - HMH Analyze the Text

Review paragraph 3 and 10. What point of view is used in describing the setting in which Mitchell lives? How does this setting affect Mitchell as a character?

Answer explanation

Mitchell uses a first-person POV to say that he lives "in the sticks." He recognizes that he is on the varsity baseball team only because there are very few students. Uncle Tommy's connection with nature helps shape him, and Mitchell's work in the village.

In the language of baseball, a "ball hawk" is a player who is skilled in catching fly balls. Why is "Ball Hawk" an appropriate title for this story?

Answer explanation

"Ball hawk" literally refers to the hawk that catches Mitchell's ball at the end of the story. It is symbolic of the way that Mitchell improves by taking Uncle Tommy's words to heart.

When the writer provides hints that suggest future events in a story, it's called FORESHADOWING. Identify and explain an example of foreshadowing in "Ball Hawk."

Answer explanation

The scene in which Tommy calls Hawk ad discusses how it can catch a bird in flight foreshadows the climax of the story, in which the hawk catches Mitchell' home run hit.

What does Uncle Tommy do to help Mitchell overcome his anger and work on his baseball skills?

Answer explanation

Uncle Tommy offers Mitchell advice and is patient with him. He helps Mitchell see his anger and the reason that he isn't playing baseball well. He is like a substitute for Mitchell's late father.

Belonging to a small group of friends that doesn't allow outsiders is known as?

• Talons

• Federal

• Clique

• Wolf pack

Following one another without interruption is known as?

• Following

• Consecutive

• Connection

• Mascot

A person, animal, or object used as the symbol of an organization, such as a sports team is known as?

• Loboes

• Mascot

• Stuffed animal

• Squishmallow

Relating to the U.S. government in Washington D.C., and not to state and local governments is known as?

• Federal

• Congress

• Judicial

• State

The claw of a bird of prey is known as?

• Beak

• Claw

• Talon

• Wing