Tangerine Questions and Answers
Tangerine
In Tangerine, what caused Luis's death?
In Edward Bloor's novel Tangerine, Luis Cruz's death is caused by a blow to the head from a blackjack wielded by Arthur Bauer, a friend of Erik Fisher. Although the blow itself does not immediately...
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Examples of metaphors in "Tangerine" by Edward Bloor
Examples of metaphors in Tangerine by Edward Bloor include the sinkhole representing the hidden problems in the community, and the muck fires symbolizing unresolved issues and underlying tensions....
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How did Paul lose his sight and how did the Fishers react in Tangerine?
Paul Fisher, in Edward Bloor's novel Tangerine, lost his sight when his brother Erik and a friend sprayed paint into his eyes. The Fishers misled Paul into believing he lost his sight by looking into...
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What are five major events in the novel Tangerine?
Five major events in the novel are: Paul’s family moves from Houston to Tangerine; a sinkhole destroys part of Paul’s school, forcing him to transfer; Arthur Bauer kills Luis with a blackjack; Paul...
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Why were Erik and Arthur laughing after Mike Costello's death?
Erik and Arthur laugh after Mike Costello's death because they are cruel and insensitive, finding humor in Joey's panicked reaction to his brother's death. They mock Joey's fixation on Mike's shoes...
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What is the conflict in Tangerine and its resolution?
The main conflict in Tangerine is the abusive dynamic within Paul Fisher's family, where his parents enable his older brother Erik's violent behavior. The resolution occurs when Erik's actions lead...
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What is the Erik Fisher Football Dream in Tangerine?
The "Erik Fisher Football Dream" in Tangerine is Erik's obsessive plan to achieve fame and a college scholarship through football. This dream consumes his family, especially his father, who neglects...
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Why did Erik and Vincent spray paint Paul's eyes in "Tangerine"?
Erik and Vincent spray-painted Paul's eyes because they believed Paul had told on them for vandalizing a wall in the Silver Meadows development. Erik held Paul down while Vincent sprayed paint into...
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Characterization of Paul's mother in "Tangerine"
Paul's mother in "Tangerine" is characterized as a controlling and meticulous figure. She is deeply concerned with maintaining appearances and order, often prioritizing these over the emotional needs...
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In "Tangerine," what does Victor mean when he tells Paul, “If you’re a War Eagle, then you're a War Eagle?”
When Victor tells Paul, “If you’re a War Eagle, then you're a War Eagle,” he means that being on the team grants Paul the fierce loyalty and protection of his teammates. Having proven himself in the...
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What do Joey's comments in Tangerine reveal about his character?
Joey's comments reveal his resistance to embracing diversity and adapting to the culture at Tangerine Middle School. He dismisses the value of making connections, misinterprets friendly teasing as...
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How do Paul and Erik's parents treat them differently in Tangerine?
In Tangerine, Paul's parents treat him and his brother Erik very differently. They lavish attention and praise on Erik, especially regarding his football achievements, while largely ignoring Paul and...
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What is the relationship between Mike and Joey in the book Tangerine?
Mike and Joey are brothers in Tangerine. Their relationship contrasts sharply with Erik and Paul's, as Mike serves as a compassionate role model for Joey. When Mike is struck by lightning and dies,...
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Why was Antoine Thomas removed from the Lake Windsor football team in Tangerine?
Antoine Thomas is kicked off the Lake Windsor football team in Tangerine for lying about his eligibility to play. As a result of this shocking development, the Tangerine County Sports Commission has...
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Compare and contrast the relationships of the Costello and Fisher brothers.
The relationships of the Costello and Fisher brothers in Tangerine are more different than alike. Mike Costello's kindness contrasts with Erik Fisher's cruelty. Mike is a role model to Joey, who...
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Why do the muck fires in Tangerine constantly burn?
The muck fires in Tangerine persist due to lignite, a precursor to coal, which fuels the continuous burning. These fires, unaffected by rain, emit a constant odor around Paul’s family home. Attempts...
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What are the major themes in Edward Bloor's Tangerine?
Major themes in Edward Bloor's Tangerine include the conflict between appearance and reality, fear without understanding, and lost memories. Erik Fisher exemplifies the theme of appearance versus...
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Parental Blindness to Erik's Cruelty in Tangerine
In Edward Bloor's Tangerine, Paul doesn't report his brother Erik's cruelty because he fears his parents won't believe him, as they are dismissive of his claims, attributing them to his poor...
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Paul Fisher's defining character trait and its symbolic representation in Tangerine
Paul Fisher's defining character trait in Tangerine is his resilience. This trait is symbolically represented by his persistent struggle to overcome the challenges posed by his visual impairment and...
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In Tangerine, why does Mr. Fisher focus on Erik's football and overlook Paul's soccer?
Mr. Fisher focuses on Erik's football over Paul's soccer because he believes Erik's season is crucial for his future in competitive college football and the NFL. Despite Paul's achievements in...
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What does Paul learn about tangerines during his first visit to the groves with Luis?
During his first visit to the tangerine groves with Luis, Paul learns about the cultivation of Cleopatra tangerines and the grafting process used to grow various citrus fruits on one tree. He...
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Who is the speaker of the quote from Tangerine: "Mike always felt better when he got his shoes off?"
The speaker of the quote "Mike always felt better when he got his shoes off" is Joey Costello. He says this to Paul after Erik and Arthur Bauer cruelly mock the death of Joey's brother, Mike...
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What is the symbolic meaning of Paul's "muck fire" in Tangerine?
In "Tangerine," Paul's "muck fire" symbolizes underlying, unresolved issues that persist beneath the surface, much like the fire itself, which burns underground due to lightning striking flammable...
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What object symbolically represents Paul in the novel Tangerine?
In Tangerine, several objects symbolically represent Paul, each highlighting different aspects of his character and struggles. The soccer ball represents his talent and efforts to connect with peers,...
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In Tangerine, why is Paul successful at Tangerine Middle School but Joey isn't?
In Tangerine, Paul is more successful than Joey when they transfer to Tangerine Middle School because he is used to being teased, doesn't come in angry, and is less explosive in his responses to...
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Paul's reaction to death in Tangerine
Paul's reaction to death in Tangerine is complex and evolves throughout the story. Initially, he is shocked and deeply affected, but he gradually processes his emotions and gains a deeper...
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Why couldn't Brian Baylor snap the ball during the big game in Tangerine?
Brian Baylor deliberately botched the snaps during the big game to make Erik Fischer look foolish. Although Brian is capable of snapping the ball correctly, he intentionally made poor snaps to...
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What major changes does Paul Fisher undergo in Tangerine?
Paul Fisher undergoes significant changes in Tangerine. Initially overshadowed by his brother Erik and plagued by low self-esteem, Paul gains confidence and self-worth through his experiences at...
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Who is the character Luis in the book Tangerine?
Luis is the older brother of Theresa and Tino Cruz and a former soccer player with a passion for developing the Golden Dawn tangerine. He welcomes Paul to Tangerine Middle School and is kind and...
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Why did Joey behave as he did at Tangerine Middle School?
Joey's behavior at Tangerine Middle School in Edward Bloor's novel is influenced by several factors. Unlike Paul, who saw the transfer as a fresh start, Joey moved primarily due to his friendship...
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Who hits Luis with a blackjack in Tangerine?
In Tangerine, Luis is hit with a blackjack by Arthur Bauer, who is acting on Erik Fisher's instructions. Erik, Paul's older brother, orders Arthur to attack Luis when Luis confronts Erik about an...
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In "Tangerine", when Paul confronts his brother about his eyes, what does he say?
In Tangerine, Paul does not confront Erik about his eyes but instead confronts his parents for lying about how his eyesight deteriorated. After remembering that Erik and Vincent sprayed white paint...
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What are each family member's feelings about the Erik Fisher Football Dream?
The Fisher family has varied feelings about the Erik Fisher Football Dream. Mr. Fisher is highly supportive, living vicariously through Erik's ambitions due to his own unfulfilled sports dreams. Mrs....
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In Tangerine, what is Paul's reaction to Mike Costello's death?
Paul's reaction to Mike Costello's death involves shock, disbelief, and concern for Mike's family. Initially, he is motionless and speechless, unable to process the news. He considers reaching out to...
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In the book "Tangerine", what is the name of the Lake Windsor soccer team?
The name of the Lake Windsor Middle School soccer team in the book Tangerine is the Lake Windsor Seagulls. This name contrasts with the more aggressive Tangerine Middle School War Eagles,...
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Paul's Perspective on Erik's Football Career in Tangerine
In Edward Bloor's novel Tangerine, Paul Fisher is overshadowed by his brother Erik's football career, which their parents obsessively support. Despite Paul's talent in soccer, he feels neglected and...
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How does Paul describe his family in Tangerine?
Paul describes his family using ironic figurative language, highlighting their refusal to acknowledge the truth about his brother Erik's immoral behavior. He refers to his family as "blind,"...
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Why did Paul and Erik Fisher's family move to Florida in Edward Bloor's novel Tangerine?
Paul and Erik Fisher's family moved from Houston, Texas, to Tangerine, Florida, because their father accepted a position as director of civil engineering for the county. This role involved managing...
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Why did Erik and Arthur appear foolish in the final football game?
Erik and Arthur appeared foolish in the final football game because Brian Baylor, the center, deliberately threw the ball badly, forcing them to jump and dive awkwardly. This humiliation was...
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In Tangerine, what is the frequent action of Mr. Fisher's boss and why?
In Tangerine, Mr. Fisher's boss frequently spends time at stock-car races. In fact, he spends half his life at stock-car races, according to Mr. Fisher. Apparently, this is because he's crazy about...
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Why is Paul removed from the Lake Windsor Middle School soccer team?
Paul is removed from the Lake Windsor Middle School soccer team because his visual impairment prevents him from being covered under the school's accident insurance plan. Schools often require sports...
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What is Paul's initial impression of Tangerine and how does it evolve in the novel Tangerine?
Paul's first impression of Tangerine is mixed with awe and disgust.
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Why does Paul in Tangerine wear his blue suit and go to his backyard at noon on Thursday?
Paul wears his blue suit and goes to his backyard at noon to privately mourn Luis's death. The suit is associated with mourning, as he wore it to Mike's funeral. Alone, he reflects on Luis's...
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Why does Mrs. Fisher ignore Mr. Fisher when she goes to bed in the "September 7" chapter of Edward Bloor's Tangerine?
Mrs. Fisher ignores Mr. Fisher when she goes to bed because she is angry and giving him the silent treatment. She wanted him to support her during a meeting about changing football practice times to...
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Is there alliteration in Tangerine by Edward Bloor?
Alliteration can be found in Tangerine by Edward Bloor, though it is likely accidental. Alliteration, the repetition of initial consonant sounds, is more commonly used in poetry and poetic prose to...
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How does the Tangerine Middle School soccer team treat Paul?
Initially, the Tangerine Middle School soccer team treats Paul harshly, with teammates expressing anger when he makes mistakes. However, after Paul plays well in a game, team captain Victor...
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What do Paul's and Erik's sport choices reveal about their characters?
Paul's choice of soccer and Erik's choice of football reveal contrasting aspects of their characters. Erik, seeking acclaim and individual glory, gravitates towards football, a more popular and...
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What actions did Paul take during Luis's funeral in Tangerine?
During Luis's funeral, Paul, unable to attend, created a personal ritual to honor his friend. He wore a blue suit without shoes or socks and dug a hole in his backyard to reach the soil. This act...
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How is the town of Tangerine in Tangerine by Edward Bloor a metaphor for Paul's life? What are the recurring "fires"...
The town of Tangerine serves as a metaphor for Paul's life, highlighting unstable foundations and hidden truths. Just as Tangerine is built on deceptive grounds leading to sinkholes, Paul's life is...
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Why does Mr. Fisher seem to abandon Erik at the end of the story, and is his response appropriate?
Mr. Fisher abandons Erik due to guilt and self-preservation, realizing he has enabled Erik's harmful behavior. Once the community condemns Erik, Mr. Fisher no longer supports him, reflecting societal...