Podcast
Questions and Answers
True or false: Gramps pronounced Illinois as 'Ill-ah-no-way'
True or false: Gramps pronounced Illinois as 'Ill-ah-no-way'
True
True or false: Gram thought they were passing the ocean
True or false: Gram thought they were passing the ocean
True
True or false: The waves splashed up on their clothes at Lake Michigan
True or false: The waves splashed up on their clothes at Lake Michigan
True
True or false: Ill-ah-noway looked exactly like northern Ohio to the narrator?
True or false: Ill-ah-noway looked exactly like northern Ohio to the narrator?
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True or false: The narrator felt happy without their mother's presence?
True or false: The narrator felt happy without their mother's presence?
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True or false: The narrator wanted to call their father but decided not to?
True or false: The narrator wanted to call their father but decided not to?
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True or false: Gramps intended to stop and explore the Badlands and Black Hills in South Dakota?
True or false: Gramps intended to stop and explore the Badlands and Black Hills in South Dakota?
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Study Notes
Journey to Illinois and Lake Michigan
- Gramps and Gram are traveling from Kentucky to Idaho, crossing the Illinois state line.
- The pronunciation of "Illinois" as "Ill-ah-no-way" reflects regional dialect and nostalgia for home.
- They have already passed through Indiana, specifically Elkhart and South Bend, earlier in their journey.
- A surprising bend in the road reveals the expansive and colorful Lake Michigan, prompting questions about the ocean.
- Gramps humorously corrects Gram, pointing out they are at Lake Michigan, triggering excitement as they quickly stop to enjoy the water.
Reflections on Change and Family
- The family travels to Chicago for an overnight stay, with contrasting landscapes making it feel distant from home.
- The narrator grapples with feelings of loss and nostalgia related to their mother’s departure for Lewiston, Idaho.
- Initially, the narrator feels numb after their mother's departure, uncertain about their emotions.
- A moment observing a newborn calf brings an unexpected sense of happiness, indicating the narrator’s emotional growth.
Connection with Grandpa and Gram
- Gram's offer to contact the narrator's father reflects familial concern and emphasizes the theme of support during tough transitions.
- The narrator declines the offer to call their dad, feeling that it may seem premature.
- The scent of baby powder on Gram evokes mixed feelings of sadness, indicating deeper emotions tied to family memories.
Travel Plans and Anticipation
- The next morning, they get lost while leaving Chicago, leading to a prayer for safety.
- Gramps has a clear travel plan to cross several states (Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana) on the way to Idaho.
- Excitement builds around specific attractions such as the Badlands and the Black Hills, which are tied to the mother's past and her journey.
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Description
Test your knowledge of U.S. state lines with this quiz! From Illinois to Indiana, see how well you know the geography of America.
