Monday, September 22, 2014

Who or what are Clark and Poindextar in the book The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963?

The Watson children attend Clark Elementary School, and
Byron shortens the name of the school to "Clark" when speaking of it. Poindexter is a
name which is associated with a stereotypical "nerdy" person, someone who is highly
intelligent, and considered very "uncool" because of this. Kenny is an avid reader whose
precociousness has been recognized by a number of the teachers at the school. These
teachers draw attention to his intellectual abilities, having him read to the older
children, and using him as an example to shame his older brother Byron, who does not
share his reputation as a model student. Unfortunately, the extra attention given to
Kenny because of his academic prowess does not endear him to the other students, and he
is the object of much teasing because of it. Kenny is called a variety of unkind
nicknames referring to his nerdiness, including "Poindexter," "Professor," and
"Egghead."


When the schoolbus arrives to pick up the
children every morning, Byron and his trouble-making friend Buphead sometimes do not get
on it, slipping away and ditching school. When Byron makes his escape, he usually says
to Kenny as he walks by, "Give my regards to Clark, Poindexter." As explained above,
"Poindexter" is his derogatory name for Kenny, and "Clark" is the name of the school;
Byron is telling Kenny arrogantly to in effect say "hello" to the school for him that
day, because he will not be there to do it himself (Chapter 2).

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