The Return of the Rag Picker Ch 7

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Questions and Answers

What emotion does Og express regarding his high school reunion?

Anger and resentment

Disappointment and humility (correct)

Pride and nostalgia

Excitement and joy

What quote does Simon reference to describe the value of morning?

‘The morning is when life awakens.’

‘Sweet is the breath of morn.’

‘Morning brings hope and renewal.’

‘The morning hour has gold in its mouth.’ (correct)

How does Og feel about the sun's daily rising?

A sign of the passing of time

Indifferent and unamused

A mundane event, devoid of charm

A miracle that inspires gratitude (correct)

Which character is recognized for citing literary figures in the conversation?

Og Signup and view all the answers

What do Og's former classmates primarily exhibit during the reunion?

Weariness and melancholy Signup and view all the answers

What lesson did Og learn from his experience at the reunion?

The value of humility Signup and view all the answers

What image does Webster use to convey the typical urban experience of morning?

A cup of coffee and a piece of toast. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best reflects Gian-Carlo Menotti's view on life achievements?

Acknowledging wasted potential is a painful realization Signup and view all the answers

What does Simon's attire symbolize about his character?

He prefers comfort over style. Signup and view all the answers

What does Webster imply about the relationship between morning and divine experience?

Morning is a time for spiritual reflection. Signup and view all the answers

What achievement is highlighted as a significant moment during Og's senior year?

Winning multiple races in track and field. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of Og's life contributed to his feelings of envy in school?

His clothing and financial situation. Signup and view all the answers

What was the emotional impact of Og's reunion with high school classmates?

It brought about a realization of how much time had passed. Signup and view all the answers

What natural features of New Hampshire does Simon describe with admiration?

The abundance of trees, lakes, and mountains. Signup and view all the answers

What does Simon imply about Og's parents during their cemetery visit?

They were constantly present in Og's thoughts. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Simon's Character

Simon Potter is a thoughtful and well-read individual
He is fascinated by history and literature and draws connections between them and present events.
Simon has a strong, albeit cryptic, sense of intuition
He believes that he has a responsibility to intervene in the lives of those he deems deserving of his guidance.

Mister Og and Classmates

Mister Og is a successful writer revisiting his high school reunion.
His reunion experience reveals a sobering reality - many of his classmates are living unfulfilling lives.
The reunion makes Mister Og reflect on his own journey and the value of time and seclusion.

Importance of Personal Growth & Reflection

The conversation emphasizes that personal growth and reflection are crucial for a fulfilling life.
Simon uses historical figures like Daniel Webster and Robert Frost to highlight the importance of time and solitude for success.

A Sense of Unforeseen Events

Simon seems to sense an impending event, a potential crisis in Mister Og's future.
He returns to Mister Og's life after a prolonged absence due to a perceived future predicament.

Simon expresses concern about a prevalent sense of despair and hopelessness in society.
He identifies societal factors contributing to this, like the ever-increasing demands of modern life.
He highlights the impact of these conditions on individuals and families, especially children.

The Mystery of Blue Snow

In 1933, New Hampshire experienced a unique snowfall where the snow was blue.
The event has been attributed to a mystery, without any scientific explanation.
Simon suggests that Mister Og might use this unusual occurrence as inspiration for his writing.

Simon Potter's Mission

Simon feels concerned about the rising number of homeless individuals and incarcerated persons, calling it an “epidemic of failure and hopelessness.”
He believes in helping people find fulfillment and overcome self-doubt, comparing his efforts to the Salk polio vaccine.
He moved to New England to develop a "wonder drug" of words to help people find satisfaction and self-esteem.
He chose New England because he enjoyed the beautiful scenery, as he remembered his friend’s descriptions of the area.
He has spent a year shaping his life lessons into a simple medicine for people to use to improve their lives.

Simon's Struggle

Simon worries that he is no longer able to write down his insights with the same power and clarity as he used to.
He asks his friend, Mister Og, for help, believing their meeting to be a miracle.
He believes his friend’s presence is an answer to his prayers for assistance.
He says he is no longer capable of effectively putting his thoughts on paper, despite his strong memory and eloquent speech.
He asks Mister Og to visit his cabin to aid him in his mission.

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Description

Explore the nuances of Simon Potter and Mister Og as they navigate personal growth and reflection. Simon's thoughtful nature contrasts with Mister Og's sobering reunion epiphany, revealing themes of intuition, history, and the importance of solitude. This quiz delves into the literary connections and character developments in their journeys.