The Boy Who Painted Christ Black GRADE 10 MEMO
1. Refer to p 145
Why did the teacher say Aaron’s name with “gusto”? (2)
She was proud of him / enthusiastic because he was so talented.
2, Describe Aaron Crawford in your own words. (5)
Very black/ Large nose and lips / highly intelligent / talented/
respectful / virtuous
3. Quote ONE word from p 146 to describe the reaction of each of the following to
Aaron’s painting:
(a) Aaron himself (1)
“triumph”
(b) The teacher (1)
“bewilderment” / ‘uncertainty”
(c) the class (1)
“reproachfully”
4. How does the teacher react to the painting? (3)
At first she is uncertain, √ then she compliments him,√ accepts it
graciously and asks him to tell class why he chose to make it.√
5. What reason does Aaron give for painting Christ black? (2)
He says Christ was kind √/ he hasn’t seen kind white people√
6. “…like a helpless Negro, pleading silently for mercy” (p 149)
What social comment is made in the above extract about the situation of Negroes at
this point in American history? (3)
They were treated as inferior √ They had no rightful place in
society√ They were afraid to speak their minds√
7. (a) Describe Prof Daneel (p 147) (4)
Tall √ white man; Pale,√ lean √ face, clear blue √ eyes
(b) What impression is created of Prof Daneel with this
description? (2)
Cold, lifeless√, shows no emotion/compassion√
(c) Does he live up to this image? Explain. (3)
Yes. He shows no understanding or compassion for the
painting made by the small boy or the explanation the
principal gives. He is racist and condescending. Refers to
painting as sacrilegious. Demands resignation of principal
8. Quote two separate words from the last 6 lines on p147 to
describe the reaction of the teachers when he enters the hall (2)
“frightened” √ “tension” √
9. “…gazing fixedly at it...as though it were a dangerous animal that would rise any
moment and spread destruction” (p148)
(a) Explain the figure of speech used in the above extract (3)
A simile√ is used. Reacts to the painting as he would react to a
dangerous animal√; with hostility and distrust√
(c) Explain the irony in the above words (2)
He sees the painting as dangerous and evil, but Christ represents
kindness and love OR
1. Refer to p 145
Why did the teacher say Aaron’s name with “gusto”? (2)
She was proud of him / enthusiastic because he was so talented.
2, Describe Aaron Crawford in your own words. (5)
Very black/ Large nose and lips / highly intelligent / talented/
respectful / virtuous
3. Quote ONE word from p 146 to describe the reaction of each of the following to
Aaron’s painting:
(a) Aaron himself (1)
“triumph”
(b) The teacher (1)
“bewilderment” / ‘uncertainty”
(c) the class (1)
“reproachfully”
4. How does the teacher react to the painting? (3)
At first she is uncertain, √ then she compliments him,√ accepts it
graciously and asks him to tell class why he chose to make it.√
5. What reason does Aaron give for painting Christ black? (2)
He says Christ was kind √/ he hasn’t seen kind white people√
6. “…like a helpless Negro, pleading silently for mercy” (p 149)
What social comment is made in the above extract about the situation of Negroes at
this point in American history? (3)
They were treated as inferior √ They had no rightful place in
society√ They were afraid to speak their minds√
7. (a) Describe Prof Daneel (p 147) (4)
Tall √ white man; Pale,√ lean √ face, clear blue √ eyes
(b) What impression is created of Prof Daneel with this
description? (2)
Cold, lifeless√, shows no emotion/compassion√
(c) Does he live up to this image? Explain. (3)
Yes. He shows no understanding or compassion for the
painting made by the small boy or the explanation the
principal gives. He is racist and condescending. Refers to
painting as sacrilegious. Demands resignation of principal
8. Quote two separate words from the last 6 lines on p147 to
describe the reaction of the teachers when he enters the hall (2)
“frightened” √ “tension” √
9. “…gazing fixedly at it...as though it were a dangerous animal that would rise any
moment and spread destruction” (p148)
(a) Explain the figure of speech used in the above extract (3)
A simile√ is used. Reacts to the painting as he would react to a
dangerous animal√; with hostility and distrust√
(c) Explain the irony in the above words (2)
He sees the painting as dangerous and evil, but Christ represents
kindness and love OR
