The Red Umbrella: Chapters 1-3

Lesson prepared by Jim, Sally, and Bob

Focus: Exposition, Vocabulary, & Examples of Tolerance/Intolerance

Interesting Vocabulary caravan

Any large group of people, typically with vehicles, traveling together in a pack

“A caravan of large camouflaged trucks and jeeps came into view” (2).

Interesting Vocabulary

oblivious

Not aware of or not concerned about what is happening around one

“My parents were sitting at the kitchen table huddled around a radio, oblivious to the fact that the sun had set and most of the house was now dark and full of shadows” (4).

Interesting Vocabulary

socialism

A political philosophy that says the government should own and run factories, hospitals, schools, etc., with the people sharing in work and products equally

“I strained to hear what they were saying. Then the words came through clearly, echoing in my head. Socialism…or death!” (6).

Discussion Questions1. Reread the opening paragraph of the novel. What might

the white heron and its actions symbolize (represent)?

2. Cuba is approximately 110 miles off the coast of Miami. How might changes in Cuba’s government affect the US?

3. Lucia overhears the crowd on the radio calling for “Socialism or death!” Compare and contrast the definition of socialism with our system of capitalism.

4. Find clues in the text (p. 2) that show how Lucia feels when the military trucks pass by. Explain your examples.

5. Why are Lucia’s parents so secretive about the radio broadcast? Who are they afraid might overhear?

Tolerance/Intolerance Connections

“Socialism…or death!” p. 6 Lucia overhears the crowd chanting these words during

the radio broadcast to which her parents were listening. It sounds like the crowd is demanding that socialism

become the new form of government and that they will kill anyone who disagrees with them.

The crowd may be trying to start a revolution which will breed intolerance if they are willing to kill those who are opposed to socialism. This type of intolerance can cause civil war and bloody conflict as we’ve seen in other parts of the world like Syria and Ukraine.