Mama’s Bank Account – Analysis and Interpretation Questions

1. Why is the fact that Katrin and her family were immigrants, important to your understanding of the story?

2. What are Mama’s piles for? Why does she count out money specifically for them?

3. What is the purpose of the Little Bank? Give examples from the text.

4. What does the family do when Nels wants to go to high school? What does it tell you about Katrin’s family?

5. After the Strike was over, Mama was “relieved”. Why do you think she was so worried?

6. How would you describe Mama’s character? Give examples from the text.