In at least 3-4 complete sentences, discuss how your feelings about the narrator Josh have developed over the course of this verse novel. Be sure to include at least 3 specific examples from the story in your answer.
What was your initial impression of him?
Describe what words or events, in which poems, shape your feelings about him.
What, if anything, has changed your impression of him?
Grading Criteria:
5 points-answer is at least 3-4 complex sentences long with specific examples from The Crossover; no errors in punctuation or grammar
4 points-answer is at least 3-4 sentence long with examples from The Crossover; errors in punctuation
3 points-answer is 3-4 sentences with vague/unspecific references to The Crossover
2 points-answer is 2-3 sentences with vague/unspecific references to The Crossover
1 points-1 sentence with vague/unspecific references to The Crossover
0 points-unanswered or irrelevant answer
(5 points)
My initial impression of Josh was that he was a talented and dedicated basketball player, but also somewhat selfish and arrogant. A specific example that shaped my feelings about him was in the poem "Trash Talk," where Josh talks about how he dominates on the court and his opponents can't handle his skills. This made me see him as someone who was confident to the point of being cocky. Another example is in the poem "Filthy McNasty," where Josh resents his twin brother Jordan's growing popularity and success. This made me see him as someone who struggled with jealousy and competition.
However, as the story progresses, my impression of Josh changes. I start to see a more vulnerable side of him, especially in the poem "Like Father, Like Son," where Josh reflects on his father's heart attack and how it has affected him. This made me see him as someone who cares deeply about his family and has a fear of losing them. Another example is in the poem "Lose Yourself," where Josh makes a mistake during a game that costs his team the championship. This made me see him as someone who takes responsibility for his actions and is willing to learn from his mistakes. Overall, my feelings about Josh have developed from seeing him as a talented but selfish basketball player to someone who is more complex and relatable.