Discussion Topic
Appropriate titles for Chapters Six and Eleven in Bud, Not Buddy
Summary:
Appropriate titles for Chapter Six and Eleven in Bud, Not Buddy could reflect key events or themes. For Chapter Six, a suitable title might be "The Library Revelation," highlighting Bud's discoveries at the library. For Chapter Eleven, "A New Family" could be fitting, emphasizing Bud's growing connection with the band members who become like family to him.
What would be an appropriate title for Chapter 6 of Bud, Not Buddy?
A good title for Chapter Six of Bud, Not Buddy could be "The Kindness of Strangers." In this chapter, Bud shows up at the mission late after oversleeping, only to end up at the end of the food line and to discover that he won't be allowed to eat breakfast. He is ultimately only saved by the kindness of strangers--a married couple who pretends that he is their son, "Clarence," and manages to convince the man who manages the food line that Bud belongs to them. Because of their random act of kindness, Bud is happily fed that morning and even gets a bit of brown sugar (shared with his fake siblings) to pour over his oatmeal.
What is so significant about this moment is that these people were willing to behave generously when they were already struggling to provide for themselves. They are not egotistically trapped in their own suffering, but rather engaged in the world and in tune to the needs of others.
What would be a suitable title for Chapter Six in Bud, Not Buddy?
A possible title for Chapter Six in Christopher Paul Curtis' Bud, Not Buddy would be "A Boy Named Clarence."
In this chapter, Bud wakes up late and has to run all the way to the mission; unfortunately, by the time he gets there the food line has already stretched around two corners and across the street. Bud tries to get in line, but is informed that there will be no more people served food. Bud tries to argue with the man in charge of the food line, but the man pulls a large strap from his pocket, threatening to whip Bud. Bud is saved by a family who pulls Bud towards them by the neck. The tall man who has grabbed him leans over asks him, "Clarence, what took you so long?" He then orders Bud to, "get back in line with your momma."
These strangers manage to get Bud breakfast by pretending that he's their "son," Clarence. Bud plays along with the role and even manages to get some brown sugar with his oatmeal. It is through their kindness and selflessness that he is able to be fed when he otherwise would have gone hungry. Thus, the title, "A Boy Named Clarence," would refer to the identity that Bud assumes in order to eat.
What is a fitting title for Chapter 11 in Bud, Not Buddy?
A good title for Chapter Eleven of Bud, Not Buddy could be "Lefty Lewis, the Vampire of Grand Rapids."
This title would humorously represent the contents of this chapter, in which Bud tries to drive off in the car of the stranger--later revealed to be Mr. "Lefty" Lewis--who has offered to give him a ride to Grand Rapids. Bud sees vials of blood in Lewis' car and thinks that the man must be a vampire; after his quick escape attempt fails, Mr. Lewis assures him,
Bud, if I was a vampire I wouldn't have to catch little boys, I'd just stick my fangs into one of those bottles and have my supper. Besides, where've you ever heard of a vampire that knew how to drive a car?
Bud learns that Mr. Lewis is delivering the blood to Hurley Hospital in Flint. He is not a vampire after all! Mr. Lewis kindly offers to drive Bud to Grand Rapids after Bud lies and claims that he ran away from his "home" and father, Herman E. Calloway. Mr. Lewis takes Bud to the city safely, and the two join Mr. Lewis' family for a large breakfast.
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