Rumble Fish Student Guide Summer Reading 2015
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Directions: As you do a close reading of the text, answer the following questions. Your answers must be written in
complete sentences. The answers to these questions are due during the first week of school. Use the text and answer
each question in its entirety.
Chapter One:
1. Rusty-James and Steve discuss what they have done since they last met. During their conversation, what
information is revealed that portrays Rusty-James as a troublemaker?
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2. Chapter one ends with Rusty-James’ words, “I could of been really glad to see ol’ Steven, if he hadn’t made me
remember everything.” (Pg. 5) How does this sentence establish the direction of the rest of the story? (Hint:
think about the verb tense in this line of dialogue, what does it show us as a reader?)
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Chapter Two:
3. A rumor is spreading that Biff wants to fight Rusty-James. What is the source of the conflict between Biff and
Rusty-James? Is this conflict one worth fighting over?
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4. Steve tries reasoning with Rusty-James about meeting Biff to fight. Why does Steve protest against Rusty-James
fighting Biff? What does this indirectly reveal about Steve’s character and about Rusty-James’ character?
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5. Rusty-James becomes angry when his friends repeatedly mention Motorcycle Boy and he slams his fist on the
table to stop their talking. The following excerpt is Rusty-James’ reaction before he storms out of the building:
“The Motorcycle Boy ain’t back,’ I said. I can’t see good when I get mad, and my voice was shaking. ‘I don’t know
when he’s comin’ back, if he’s comin’ back. So if you wanna wait around the rest of your life to see what he
says, okay. But I’m gonna stomp Biff Wilcox’s guts tonight, and I think I oughta
have some friends there.” (Pgs. 10-11)
Why does Rusty-James’ respond in such a severe manner?
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Chapter 3
6. While they are arguing, Rusty-James and Patty begin throwing accusations at each other. In order to defend
himself, what does Rusty-James accuse Patty of doing? What does this information reveal about Patty’s
character?
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7. What unspoken rule does Biff break at the fight? What does this tell the reader about his character?
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8. Rusty-James thinks he looks exactly like Motorcycle Boy, but Steve disagrees. What physical traits do RustyJames and Motorcycle Boy share? What does Steve claim is the main difference between Rusty-James and
Motorcycle Boy?
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Chapter Four
9. In gym class, Coach Ryan requests something from Rusty-James. Consider what Coach Ryan asks Rusty-James to
do. Based on Coach Ryan’s request, what does this reveal about Coach Ryan’s character?
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10. Describe what Rusty-James does as “a quick way to make twenty bucks.” (Pg. 46) Does his plan
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Write a brief summary of the main events that occurred in chapters 5 and 6. Be sure to include the most essential
elements to the plot. These count as question #11 and #12.
Chapter 5
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Chapter 6
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Chapter 7
13. Rusty-James and Steve discuss the risk of a police raid in the theater. Steve takes into account being arrested and
asks, “Rusty-James, if you’re arrested or something, can you refuse bail? I mean, can’t you stay in jail if you’d rather do
that than go home?” (Pg. 79)Why do you suppose Steve prefers to stay in jail rather than go home?
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14. After Motorcycle Boy tells Rusty-James that he was abandoned as a child, Rusty-James thinks,…I had never been
afraid of him till now. It was an odd feeling, being afraid of him.” (Pg. 85) Why is Rusty-James suddenly afraid of his
brother?
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Chapter 8
15. Why does Steve call Motorcycle Boy “the living legend?” (Pg. 93)
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16. Rusty-James and Steve walk in the direction of the river to find their way home. How does the author add suspense
to the scene while they are walking?
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17. Motorcycle Boy admits that gang members do not fight for fun or for their courage, what is it that the fight for and is
this a valid reason to fight?
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Chapter 9
18. Rusty-James is surprised when he goes to Steve’s house after his doctor visit. What is it that is so surprising and how
does this situation affect Steve and Rusty-James’ outlook on life?
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19. Steve says, “I got to think for myself. I can’t keep on thinking for you, too.” (Pg. 113) This line of dialogue reveals a
dramatic shift in Steve’s character. What events triggered Steve’s change and what does this indirectly reveal about
Steve’s character?
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20. Steve says, “He is the only person I have ever met who is like somebody out of a book” (Pg. 114) and “You better let
go of the Motorcycle Boy…If you’re around him very long you won’t believe in anything.” (Pg.114). What do these lines
reveal about Steve’s perceptions of Motorcycle Boy and is this perception of him accurate? Use evidence from the text
to support your answer.
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Chapter 10
21. Write a five to seven sentence summary of the most critical events that occur in this chapter.
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Chapter 11
22. Rusty- James has a very heartfelt conversation with his father. What is revealed to Rusty-James about his family and
how does this explanation help and/or hurt Rusty-James?
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23. Read the following lines from this chapter.
“I couldn’t hear my own voice. I tried screaming and I still couldn’t hear it. I was that alone. I was in a glass bubble and
everyone else was outside it and I’d be alone like that for the rest of my life then a pain sliced through my head and the
colors were black. The noise was deafening and I was shaking because I was still alone.” (Pg. 132)
What has happened to Rusty-James and why is this ironic? Hint: Consider who Rusty-James wanted to be like and now
that he is physically like this person, how does Rusty-James feel?
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Chapter 12
In a conversation between Steve and Rusty-James, several themes of the work are explicitly revealed. Re-read the
following lines from this chapter and next to each line write the theme/themes that are revealed. Answer may vary.
“I learned that if you want to get somewhere, you just make up your mind and work like hell till you get there. If you
want to go somewhere in life you just have to work till you make it.” (Pg. 133)
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“I liked that ocean. You always knew there was going to be another wave. It had always been
there, and more than likely it always would.” (Pg. 134)
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