Nickel Boys Colson Whitehead by Finnegan Grob https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh Nick Tuong, Derrick Smith, Ivana Barrea, Finnegan Grob, Mackenna Tatrow en-us 2022-04-20 19:21:12 UTC 2025-12-20 01:11:58 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/png/1f46e-2642.png Chp 9- Elwood fg251679 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2150927391 "When the state of Florida dug him up fifty years later, the forensic examiner noted the fractures in the wrists and speculated that he'd been restrained before he died, in addition to the other violence attested by the broken bones"  (114). 

This quote is important because it implies that this school did absolutely terrible things to its students. Up until this moment in Chapter 9, we had no idea of the fate of any of the students as the story was being told from the present point of view. 


]]> 2022-04-20 19:47:58 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2150927391 Chp.6- Elwood fg251679 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2150930805 "Maybe there was no system at all to the violence and no one, not even the keepers nor the kept, knew what happened or why" (68).

This quote is right after Elwood received his first beating for no reason. He now just realizes that Nickel Acadey doesnt follow any kind of rules that the outside world does. He realzses this place is pure evil and dangerous.

]]> 2022-04-20 19:51:00 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2150930805 Fastidious (Adj) mt188462 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2151334811 -Very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail.
"Spencer was fastidious with his dark blue Nickel uniform; every crease in his clothes looked sharp enough to cut, as if he were a living blade" (48).

]]> 2022-04-21 02:41:07 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2151334811 Malingering (verb) mt188462 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2151345346 - Exaggerate or feign illness in order to escape duty or work
-"An Ace, he said, listens to his housemen and his housefather, does his work without shirking and malingering, and applies himself to his studies" (49). ]]> 2022-04-21 02:49:43 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2151345346 Cronies (noun) mt188462 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2151352932 - a close friend or companion.
- "Griff and his cronies played spades at the back of the classroom, and when Elwood caught Tuner's eye, the boy was reading a wrinkled superman comic" (59).]]> 2022-04-21 02:55:22 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2151352932 Lackluster (Adj) mt188462 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2151357681 - lacking in vitality, force, or conviction; uninspired or uninspiring.
- "Only Elwood was dismayed by the teacher's distracted, lackluster efforts; the other boys spent the morning goofing and joshing" (59).]]> 2022-04-21 02:59:38 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2151357681 Eerie (Adj) mt188462 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2154040102  strange and frightening.
"The second thing Elwood noticed was the boy's eerie sense of self" (79).]]> 2022-04-22 19:18:23 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2154040102 Memory Moment-Ch.1 ib184803 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2154049470 During the beginning of the book Elwood mentions a memory of him getting a gift on Christmas of Martin Luther King at Zion Hill and it was an album and the importance of that was it inspired him and really motivated him as a person.

]]> 2022-04-22 19:28:13 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2154049470 Chp.7- Narrator fg251679 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2159168077 "The boys were called students rather than inmates, to distinguish them from violent offender that populated prisons. All the violent offenders Elwood added, were on staff" (76).


This quote is important because it reminds readers that these children are non violent and dangerous people. Rather the dangerous and scary people at Nickel Academy were the staff whom turn out to do horrendous things to kids. ]]> 2022-04-26 19:38:47 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2159168077 Chp.7- Various Students fg251679 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2159177214 " I got busted for sleeping in a garage to keep warm, I stole five dollars from my teacher, I drank a bottle of cough syrup and went wild one night. I was on my own trying to get by"  (74). 


These are all the crimes that kids talked about that sent them away to suffer at Nickel Academy. This is important because it shows that these kids were acting like regular teenagers but unfortunately got caught. ]]> 2022-04-26 19:46:04 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2159177214 Simile pt249200 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2159178628 "The house wife with the spit-flecked mouth cursing like a sailor" (73).]]> 2022-04-26 19:47:12 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2159178628 Simile mt188462 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2159184274 "  Didn't he think it strange that he was driving the boys up and down the state like a yo-yo, the clerk asked?" (46).]]> 2022-04-26 19:51:51 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2159184274 Chapter.5- Narrator fg251679 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2159184530 "Elwood met Turner his second day at Nickel, which was also the day he discovered the grim purpose of the noise" (55).

This is important because Elwood finally meets a friend that is going to do alot for him and stick with him through hardship. Hard times create lifelong strong bonds.]]> 2022-04-26 19:52:03 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2159184530 Personification pt249200 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2163216724 "The men's flashlights danced" (66).

]]> 2022-04-28 19:14:44 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2163216724 personification mt188462 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2163220181 "His thoughts prowled and roved after midnight" (174).]]> 2022-04-28 19:17:30 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2163220181 Chp. 12- Narrator fg251679 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2163242124 "You could die. Of "natural causes even, if abeted by unhealthy conditions, malnutrition, and the pitiless constellation of neglience"(145).

This is important because it tells us how one of the only ways people could stop going to Nickel Academy is to die from being mistreated and neglected. This also explains how crooked and evil the Nickel Academy truly is. ]]> 2022-04-28 19:32:50 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2163242124 Circumnavigated (verb) pt249200 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2163246267 - go around or avoid (an obstacle).
-" Elwood took the long way back, around the trails that circumnavigated Boot Hill and took him past the stables and laundry" (182).]]> 2022-04-28 19:36:08 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2163246267 Chp.7- Narrator fg251679 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2163255878 "In 1926 alone, publishing created a profit of $250,000, in addition to introducing the students to a useful trade in which they apply themselves after graduation" (176).

This place somehow generated a crazy amount of money in 1926. If I was the government (irs) I would raise my eyebrow of how they obtained that amount of funds  as must it be dirty/bloody money. 

]]> 2022-04-28 19:43:55 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2163255878 Chp.17-Turner/Elwood fg251679 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2163261704 "Flying to Tallahassee," Turner said. "Last name Curtis" (202). 

This is an important quote because in the memorial of his friend who tragically passed away Turner changed his name and identity to Elwood Curtis. This is the true definition of loyalty.]]> 2022-04-28 19:48:40 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2163261704 Contrasts & Contradictions-Ch.10 ib184803 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2163263566 In the end if chapter 10 there is a medicine they were going to use to prank someone but it was gone ,and Mr.Earl was in the hospital and they suspected Jaimie because he wanted to prank Mr.Earl ,but Jaimie said he didn't do it but he lied about it to there faces. Which it was pretty obvious he did it since he was the only one he disliked Mr.Earl which is why he did it.]]> 2022-04-28 19:50:16 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2163263566 demerit (noun) fg251679 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2167294019
Demerit- a mark awarded against someone for a fault or offense.

"The students were given merits and demerits " (89).]]> 2022-05-02 19:27:35 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2167294019 Characterization-Elwood-Ch.2 ds181616 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2167299045 In the novel Nickel Boys the main protagonist , Elwood Curtis a black male in the 60s sure does have his hands full. Elwood Is an outgoing positive contribution to society, He's persistant with his goal to reform and stands strong on his morales ]]> 2022-05-02 19:32:00 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2167299045 forsworn (verb) fg251679 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2167299857 forsworn-swear falsely; commit perjury.

"He was alert and awake, having forsworn his nightcaps" 
(175).

(It wont do the space!!!)]]> 2022-05-02 19:32:31 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2167299857 nefarious (adj) fg251679 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2167303288 nefarious-wicked or criminal.

"Some deaths were more nefarious than others" (145).]]> 2022-05-02 19:35:31 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2167303288 commemorated (verb) fg251679 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2167313948 commemorated-recall and show respect for 


"The stamps decorating the scruffy black canvas commemorated trips to Dublin" (173).]]> 2022-05-02 19:45:22 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2167313948 Chp 14- MLK fg251679 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2167320417
"But be ye assured that we will wear you down by our capacity to suffer, and one day we will win our freedom" (172).

This quote is important to Elwood because it reminds him of the perseverance and grit that past civil rights African Americans all have in their blood. That when times get tough and the world hates them they vow to still show them love. For Elwood even though being mistreated by the school officals he never had a thought of killing everyone or commiting mass genocide. ]]> 2022-05-02 19:51:35 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2167320417 Characterization-Turner-Ch.5 ds181616 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2170104138 In the novel Nickel Boys, Jack Turner known as Turner is Elwood's right hand man. Turner is a black male in the 60s and knows the potential consequences for trying to express your voice at nickel. Turner unlike Elwood would rather play it safe and avoid people than help them. Likewise to Elwood, those Turner does connect with what he looks out for relentlessly.]]> 2022-05-04 15:17:20 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2170104138 Chp.5-Elwood fg251679 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2170466626 "I am stuck here, but ill make the best of it" (64).

Although Elwood was in a terrible situation he always had a positive outlook on life. He very rarely complained and put his head down and did what he was told but unfortunately being in Nickel academy this kind of mindset doesn't do much as a african amerian.  


]]> 2022-05-04 19:10:08 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2170466626 Chp. 9-Turner fg251679 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2170475106 "Nickel was racist as hell- half the people who worked here probably dressed up like the Klan on weekends" (105).

This quote explains that many of the faculty could easily pass as KKK members who were notorious for doing terrible fascistic and anti Semitic things to innocent Americans. 

]]> 2022-05-04 19:16:23 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2170475106 irony fg251679 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2170481812 "He came back evil. Not because of what happened over-seas but from what he saw on his return" (71).]]> 2022-05-04 19:19:28 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2170481812 motif fg251679 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2170483564 “Dr. Kings speeches were such a vivid chronicle” (11).


]]> 2022-05-04 19:20:54 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2170483564 irony fg251679 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2170485422 "She's described as having a handsome face" (104).]]> 2022-05-04 19:22:21 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2170485422 (alliteration) fg251679 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2170488291 "Crooked as a country preacher"(106).]]> 2022-05-04 19:24:50 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2170488291 Words of the wiser-Ch.14 ib184803 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2170491025 During chapter fourteen Turner says to Elwood "You're getting along. Ain't had trouble since that one time" this starts an argument between Elwood and Turner which causes turner to say that to Elwood giving him advice to be careful which may foreshadow something bad may happen he's trying to help Elwood ,but Elwood takes it the wrong way.]]> 2022-05-04 19:27:07 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2170491025 Simile mt188462 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2170493085 "He lugged his words like an anvil in his Nickel-issued pockets" (178).]]> 2022-05-04 19:28:50 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2170493085 Hyperbole fg251679 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2170493295 "The witch doctor can give him the whole bucket of aspirin and he'll still have a headache" (110).]]> 2022-05-04 19:29:02 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2170493295 Aha moment- Ch. 16 fg251679 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2170507822 We find out that Elwood gets shot in the head and that the portions of this book where it talks about his future are not Elwood Curtis himself but another person. It all makes sense why the "Elwood Curtis" that lives in New York seems depressed and sad. It is such a shocker to read how he died such a tragic death.]]> 2022-05-04 19:41:19 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2170507822 Theme-Racism Ch.3 ds181616 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2170513532 As this novel setting is the south in the 60s, obviously racism plays a big role and is one of the many themes. Elwood expieriances racism countless times thoughout the novel. ]]> 2022-05-04 19:46:28 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2170513532 Moral dilemma - Ch.3 fg251679 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2170513840 Elwood stands up to some punk kids who try and rob his store. Although Elwood isn't very strong and big he tries his best to teach these kids a lesson to not rob/steal things and not face consequences. Morally Elwood is a great kid but unfortunate he got a reputation of being a rat and  jumped by these kids and got a black eye. ]]> 2022-05-04 19:46:44 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2170513840 Tough Questions- Ch. 16 ib184803 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2170515738 Near the end of the book it says that Turner asked himself later if he heard Elwood cry out or make any kind of sound but never did figure it out. This question makes me wonder about how it must have felt for Turner to witness Elwood getting shot in front of him. Also how it was only him who got to escape it probably made him feel very bad.]]> 2022-05-04 19:48:24 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2170515738 Stymieing (Verb) pt249200 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2170518550 Stymieing - prevent or hinder the progress of.

"Take girls to the movies he was done stymieing himself on that front and figure out a course of study" (37).
]]> 2022-05-04 19:50:54 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2170518550 Again & Again- Ch.14 ib184803 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2171548575 What seems to be mentioned a lot in this book is Martin Luther King Jr. which seems to be a huge influence to Elwood. Why it seems to be mentioned a lot in this book is because he really gives Elwood a reason and inspiration to want fight back against nickel. Even made him realize how awful nickel is and how he needs to stand up for himself.]]> 2022-05-05 14:41:56 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2171548575 Friendship Ch.7 ds181616 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2173258132 In the novel Nickel boys another main theme is Friendship/unity.]]> 2022-05-06 17:48:50 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2173258132 Characterization-Harriet Ch.7 ds181616 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2173293006 In the novel Nickel Boys, Harriet (Elwood's grandmother) is loving and kind. When Elwood's parents left for California leaving no one to provide for him Harriet quickly stepped up and took that responsibility. She only wants the best for Elwood sheltering him away from what she think might swing him the wrong way as he is a ll she has left.]]> 2022-05-06 18:17:35 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2173293006 Characterization- Maynard Spencer Ch.9 ds181616 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2173294287 In the novel "Nickel Boys" Maynard Spencer is a snobby, sinister individual. Spencer casually beats and kills many students at nickel multiple times throughout the novel. In opinion he is also racist as he take side of the white students at nickel.]]> 2022-05-06 18:18:42 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2173294287 Conflict -Elwood's Arrest Ch.3 ds181616 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2173358171 In the Novel "Nickel Boys" Elwood soon to further his education early was on the way to take his first college class at FAMU. Elwood was riding with his new friend Rodney to FAMU when the two got pulled over. It doesn't specify but in my opinion the officer profiled the two boys as he called them "n******". unfortunately for Elwood the car Turner was driving was stolen. After being sentenced, Elwood is sent to Nickel Academy, setting up a down hill ride from then.]]> 2022-05-06 19:11:47 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2173358171 Memory Moment- Ch.12 ib184803 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2173366926 During the book it seems in some chapter Turner has escaped nickel and it shows his present life and in the following chapter it seems the story is brought back to nickel basically meaning the chapter in nickel are memory moments of Turner and Elwood and why is it important because while showing us the present it's giving us the past of the life of  Elwood,Turner ,and the other characters  which is basically the whole plot of the book.]]> 2022-05-06 19:19:56 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2173366926 Again & Again- Ch. 7 ib184803 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2173372009 While reading this book an again & again moment I have found is Elwood's grandma Harriet being mentioned quite often in the story which does make sense since she was the one who raised him which seems like the logical way why she is mentioned quite a lot but also because she raised him she definitely influenced him a lot which is probably why he is such a kind person.]]> 2022-05-06 19:25:27 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2173372009 Contrasts & Contradictions- Ch. 16 ib184803 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2173379178 At near the end of the book we find out Turner was the one who escaped not Elwood but Turner changed his name to Elwood and the answer to why he did that was to honor Elwood it shows their friendship and how important to him so it's kind of a shock but I feel it would be something he would do of course to honor his friend.]]> 2022-05-06 19:32:45 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2173379178 Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead fg251679 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2173386761 2022-05-06 19:40:56 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2173386761 Theme-trauma Ch.3 ds181616 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2177772527 Trauma is one of the major theme of "The Nickel Boys" Which Turner and Elwood have experienced and greatly influences both of the boys.]]> 2022-05-10 15:00:59 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2177772527 Conflict- Turner hears that Elwood is going to die-Ch.16 fg251679 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2178170878 Turner is Elwood's best friend and overhears the faculty talking about getting rid of Elwood after he tried to expose the institution. He then helps Elwood escape but ultimately it is unsuccessful and Elwood gets shot by the nicest faculty member while Turner survives and continues Elwood's legacy by using his name. ]]> 2022-05-10 19:04:14 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2178170878 Theme - Loyalty Ch.7/16 fg251679 https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2178175417 In this novel, loyalty is shown in full display as Turner is loyal to Elwood until the end. Loyalty cannot be bought, but it is earned through mutual respect. Multiple times has loyalty been mentioned in this novel, for example, when Turner purposefully got sick and ultimately when Turner tried to help Elwood escape. Turner didn't have to do these things, but he did them with loyalty and dignity. ]]> 2022-05-10 19:07:21 UTC https://padlet.com/fg251679/xmu4q96nxlzsnolh/wish/2178175417