Comprehension Questions
Long Way Down - Jason Reynolds
Name Dulce Mendez
DOWN
REYNOLDS
LONG WAY
JASON
Floor 7
71-106
In the elevator, Will notes that there are "elevator rules" that everyone must follow. An older man gets
on at floor 7. Will can sense that the man is staring at him.
Text Features - Timestamps. Text features are elements of the story that are not considered parts of the main
body. These include bold words, captions, or in the case of Long Way Down, timestamps. Notice how
above "A GUY GOT ON" there is a timestamp of 09:08:02 a.m. These are unique text features that Reynolds
has included in the story. The time will continue to be displayed right down to the very second.
1. Define the word: Arbitrary subject to free will or whim
before
law
or reason.
2. In what sense are the "elevator rules" Will mentions and "The Rules" both arbitrary?
When Will and Shawn were kids, they would ride the elevator for fun and giggle whenever someone
pressed the L button - "L" meant they were losers.
3. Will admits that he has already chosen to be a Loser. What could be meant by this? Consider
the symbolism of the "L" Button.
Will asks the man who just got on if they know each other. The man smiles, surprised that Will does not
recognize him.
4. What is Will's relationship to Buck? How do they know each other?
5. Discuss the meaning and significance of the anagram: "Alive = a veil"
6. Buck laughs and teases Will. List and describe some of the ways Will tries to appear more
masculine:
