Chapter: 06. Blue Wednesday
A. Answer these questions.
What was Jerusha’s specific job with the younger children in room F? Jerusha’s specific job was to assemble her charges, straighten their rumpled frocks, wipe their noses, and start them in an orderly line towards the dining room. What physical impression did Jerusha have of the last Trustee as he was leaving? Jerusha’s impression of the man consisted “entirely of tallness.” What was the Trustee’s usual preference regarding the children he helped? The Trustee’s philanthropies had been directed only towards boys; he did not care for girls. How much monthly allowance would Jerusha receive in addition to her board and tuition? Jerusha would receive an additional allowance of thirty-five dollars a month. What was the primary reason the Trustee required Jerusha to write letters to him? He believed that nothing so encourages ability in literary expression as letter-writing, and he wished to keep track of her progress. B. Answer these questions with reference to the context.
“Every floor had to be spotless, every chair dustless and every bed without a wrinkle.”
a. What day is being described here? This describes the first Wednesday of every month, which was inspection day for the Trustees at the orphanage.
b. Why was this level of cleanliness required? This level of cleanliness was required because the Trustees and visiting committee would make their rounds to inspect the orphanage.
c. How did this requirement affect the orphans, especially Jerusha? This requirement made the day “awful,” “a day to be awaited with great fear, handled with courage and forgotten with speed.” For Jerusha, being the oldest, it meant bearing the burden of making sure ninety-seven children and all the facilities were perfect, leading to her being on her feet since five in the morning and feeling exhausted. “He does not, I may tell you, care for girls.”
a. Who is “he” in this sentence? “He” refers to the anonymous, affluent Trustee who has generously supported the orphanage.
b. Who is speaking this line? Mrs. Lippett, the matron of the John Grier Home, is speaking this line to Jerusha.
c. Why is this statement surprising in the context of what follows? This statement is surprising because immediately after Mrs. Lippett says this, she reveals that this very Trustee, who supposedly “does not care for girls,” has made an exception and offered to send Jerusha, a girl, to college. C. Think and answer.
Jerusha’s essay “Blue Wednesday” was humorous but also held the institution “up to ridicule.” Do you think it’s always okay to make fun of something, even if it’s true, especially if it provides for you? Explain your thoughts. Sample Answer: It’s tricky! While honesty and humor can be good, making fun of something that supports you might be seen as ungrateful by some. However, if the humor highlights a real problem in a clever way, it can sometimes lead to positive change, as it did for Jerusha. It depends on the intent and how it’s received. It’s important to be respectful, even when expressing criticism. The anonymous Trustee decided to help Jerusha based on her writing. What qualities do you think are most important for someone to notice and support in another person, and why? Sample Answer: Besides talent, qualities like originality, hard work, and a unique perspective are very important to notice and support. Originality shows creative thinking and a fresh way of looking at things. Hard work shows dedication and commitment to growth. A unique perspective means a person brings something new to the table, which can lead to innovative ideas and solutions. Supporting these qualities can help individuals reach their full potential and contribute uniquely to the world. 
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