The Journal of Augustus PelletierBlazing
WestVocabularyTaxidermy
Sextant
Camp Wood
VocabularyPirogues
Fort Clatsop
keelboat
Why did President Thomas Jefferson ask Congress to fund the
Lewis and Clark Expedition? What was the goal of the
expedition?
Other than Augustus, which character do you think is the most
important in this journal? Explain your choice.
If you had to choose one of the following words that you think
best describes what this book is about, would you chose dreams,
home, or courage? Why?
Captain Lewis and Captain Clark are depicted as very different
kinds of men. Why do you think they got along so well? Which one
would you likely be friends with? Why?
On August 27, 1805, Augustus writes that Sacajawea was "forever
caught between worlds, not quite alive and not quite dead." What
does Augustus mean? Do you agree with him?
It is often said that "knowledge is power." How is this
statement true in the life of Augustus Pelletier?
Literature Circle Discussion QuestionsOn September 25, 1804,
Augustus writes that he learned one of the most important lessons
in his life. What was that lesson? Literature Circle Discussion
QuestionsIn your discussion group, vote on the most memorable scene
in the journal. Compare your results with other groups. Which scene
turns out to be the most memorable? Why? Literature Circle
Discussion QuestionsRead the journal entry for March 6, 1805. Have
a discussion explaining why Augustus is described as being "like
the fat man eating buffalo hump while complaining about being
hungry and skinny."
Literature Circle Discussion QuestionsGus' journal ends on
November 14, 1805, the day the Corps of Discovery reaches the
Pacific Ocean. Do you think Gus returned with the Corps to St.
Louis? Literature Circle Discussion QuestionsSacajawea is
characterized as a bright, capable, sensitive, and courageous
person. What new facts did you learn about her?Take a look at the
one-dollar "gold" coin. Does the image of Sacajawea on the coin
match the picture you've had of her as you've read Gus's journal?
Why or why not?
