Dead End in Norvelt: Characters and Conflicts Quiz

Study Notes

Dead End in Norvelt

Jack Gantos' novel "Dead End in Norvelt" is a coming-of-age story set in 1962 in the small town of Norvelt, Pennsylvania. It centers around two main characters, Jack Gantos and his grandfather, who navigate a series of events during this time period.

Plot Summary

The book begins with narrator Jack Gantos moving to the dead end street of Norvelt, Pennsylvania, where he is to spend the summer with his mother. This move marks the beginning of many adventures for young Jack. He soon learns about Delia, Norvelt's delinquent dog, who becomes an integral part of Jack's life.

The plot thickens when Jack's friend, Della, falls from a tree while trying to rescue her cat. In an effort to raise money for Della's medical bills, Jack and Della decide to try their luck at selling newspapers. However, their venture hits a snag when they have trouble getting customers due to Norvelt's oddball residents, including Mrs. Robinson and her husband, Sammy, who have sworn off men since their son left them.

Meanwhile, Jack is also dealing with his own family issues. His father has abandoned him, and his grandfather is caught up in a complex web of secrets and lies. Tensions rise when Jack finds out that his grandfather used to run off with prostitutes years ago. To further complicate matters, Jack discovers that his grandfather was once involved in the World War II bombing of Pearl Harbor.

As the summer progresses and Jack grows older, he comes to understand more about the world and its inhabitants, including those closest to him. The book ends with Jack reflecting on these experiences and looking forward to the next chapter of his life.

Main Characters Introduction

The main characters of "Dead End in Norvelt" are:

Jack Gantos: A 12-year-old boy who moves to Norvelt for the summer, having been raised by his aunt and uncle in Chicago.
Grandfather Gantos: An alcoholic veteran whose tales of war give Jack insight into the difficulties of growing old.
Della Graves: Jack's best friend, who falls from a tree and requires surgery after attempting to recover her cat.

Conflicts Introduced

In the novel, several conflicts are introduced:

Family Issues: Jack deals with the absenteeism of his father and the revelations about his grandfather's past, including his involvement in the World War II bombing of Pearl Harbor.
Financial Struggles: Jack and Della's attempt to raise money for Della's medical bills faces challenges due to Norvelt's oddball residents.
Personal Growth: Jack learns about the complexities of the world and its inhabitants, including his own family, as he grows older.

Description

Test your knowledge of the main characters, conflicts, and plot points in Jack Gantos' novel 'Dead End in Norvelt'. Explore the challenges faced by characters like Jack, his grandfather, and Della, and delve into the family issues, financial struggles, and personal growth themes within the story.