Because of Winn Dixie Literature Circle Activities

Passage Picker:

Passage 1Pg. 163Paragraph 10First two words: I keptLast two words: even moreThis passage is a sad/melancholy type of passage because it really expresses the pain that India Opal feels on losing Winn Dixie. She is already trying to prepare herself for never seeing Winn-Dixie again.

What do you think would be on the list of 10 things about Winn Dixie?1. He has a great sense of humor2. He smiles3. He loves peanut butter4. He likes to climb up on the bed to sleep5. He loves to nudge the preacher with his nose

I feel as though the author added this part of the story to really explain Opal’s pain. It is important that it is expressed how much Winn Dixie means to her.

Passage 2Pg.89Paragraph 3First two words: One timeLast two words: mama saysThis passage is a funny/amusing type of passage because it’s not at all what’s really going on. The things mentioned in the passage are actually what make Opal happy. They aren’t negative whatsoever!

Why do you think India Opal makes friends with people older than her rather than people her age?

I think that she is very wise for her age, and she hasn’t had a lot of interaction with adults (parents are uninvolved), so she enjoys time with people who are older. Also, she enjoys the intellectual conversations and stories that they provide.

This passage is important because it shows exactly how different India Opal is from people her age. She is one of a kind, just like Winn-Dixie.

Passage 3

Page 166Paragraph 1First two words: Daddy ILast two words: be okayThis passage is important because it finally shows the vulnerable side of the preacher.

Do you think that things would be different between Opal and the preacher if he had opened up to her earlier?

Yes, I do. I think that this is very important, and that it completely changes the dynamic between Opal and her dad. If he had come out of his shell earlier, then they would have been able to rely on each other emotionally.

I think that the author put this passage in to show us how vulnerable the preacher really is, and how everyone has feelings, no matter how good they are at hiding them.

Passage 4Page 94-96Paragraph 2First two words: I lookedLast two words: for everyone

This passage is important and surprising. It is the start of a huge revelation for India Opal. That revelation is that her mother is still a good person, and that just because she made a mistake doesn’t mean that she doesn’t love her.

What would the bottles on the tree represent for you?

I would say that wasting time fighting with family and friends would be my biggest regret/mistake.

This passage is a huge form of symbolism in the book. It symbolizes a lot for various characters, and it ends up wrapping up the book.

Character Sketcher:

1. (trait)_serious. __ par. ___ (explanation or proof of trait)  2. (trait)_shy______p. 16__par.__5__(explanation or proof of trait)

  3. (trait)__giving p. _19__par._____(explanation or proof of trait)  Character Goal:The preacher’s goal is to provide a good life for Opal .

Problem: The preacher’s problem is that he closes himself off.

Solution or Possible SolutionA solution to this problem would be opening up to Opal and telling her how he feels and what he has been going through.  

Word Wizard:

Distracted p.14

Exception p. 15

Peculiar p. 47

Melancholy p. 121

Pathological p. 76

Discussion Director:

Questions:1) What words does Opal use to describe Winn-Dixie when she first sees

him? Of these qualities, which one causes Opal to adopt Winn-Dixie despite the way he looks?

a. Opal describes him as a big, ugly dog, skinny, with bald patches. (Pages 8 & 11) She chose him because he had a good sense of humor. (Page 12)

2) As Opal gives her new dog a bath, she tells him they are a lot alike. In what ways are Opal and her dog alike?

a. She says that they are both alike because according to her neither of them have any family. Opal refers to them as ‘orphans’. (Page 21)

3) Opal describes her friend Gloria as the best adult she knows. In what ways does Gloria act like the mother that Opal doesn’t have? How do Gloria’s qualities bring Opal closer to her real mother?

a. Gloria told Opal stories, like her mother would have told her if she were around. She also made Opal sandwiches and took care of her. Gloria’s qualities make Opal realize that everyone makes mistakes, and no matter if you’re the nicest person on earth, it doesn’t mean that you haven’t done bad things. (Pages 92 & 95)

4) Opal wants to make Sweetie-Pie happy by coming up with a theme for Gloria’s party. What theme might Opal choose and why?

a. When Opal invites Sweetie-Pie, the theme of dogs is suggested. I think that Opal will pick this theme because she loves her dog, and her dog is the reason that all of this was happening in the first place. (Page 141)

5) What was the secret ingredient in the Littimus Lozenges? What secret ingredient would you add if you could make your own candy?

6) Gloria says that she made her mistakes before she learned “the most important thing” (96). What do you think Gloria means by “the most important thing”? Why does Gloria say that “the most important thing” is different for everyone?