Z For Zachariah Lesson Plan

At the beginning of chapter 23, Ann speculates that Mr. Loomis hid the tractor key and padlocked the store because “he had a compulsion for taking charge of things, for saving things, for rationing them out in an orderly manner so they would last” (217). What issue do you see with this logic? Provide examples from the text. Why do you think Ann considers this as a possibility?

Students should recognize that this logic is flawed because of Mr. Loomis’ own excessive use of the tractor. If he were really concerned about conserving and rationing their supplies, he wouldn’t be using the tractor to hunt her, as this is clearly wasting gasoline. Also, if he were so concerned...