Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was Edek's health condition in the middle of June?
What was Edek's health condition in the middle of June?
Why was Edek's walking becoming slower and more painful?
Why was Edek's walking becoming slower and more painful?
What did Ruth decide Edek must do to recover?
What did Ruth decide Edek must do to recover?
What job did Ruth take to earn money for Edek's new shoes?
What job did Ruth take to earn money for Edek's new shoes?
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What did Jan bring home from work that Ruth was suspicious about?
What did Jan bring home from work that Ruth was suspicious about?
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Why did Ruth think Jan might be stealing the food?
Why did Ruth think Jan might be stealing the food?
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What did Edek want to do regarding the mystery of the food?
What did Edek want to do regarding the mystery of the food?
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What was Edek doing while he was resting under the trees?
What was Edek doing while he was resting under the trees?
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Why did Edek follow Jan to the level-crossing?
Why did Edek follow Jan to the level-crossing?
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Study Notes
Setting and Characters
- Mid-June: Long period of unbroken weather; Edek's health deteriorating despite the favorable conditions.
- Ruth, Edek, Jan, and Bronia: Central characters, living in challenging circumstances.
- Edek suffers from a persistent cough and painful walking due to worn-out shoes.
Camping and Work
- Ruth decides Edek needs a week of rest; they find a campsite by a millstream.
- Ruth takes a cleaning job at a local school; Jan works hay-making to earn money for Edek's new shoes.
- Edek rests under trees, cared for by Bronia, and benefits from the shade and fire at night.
Food Mystery
- Jan brings home an abundance of unusual food such as chicken, lobster, and luncheon meat, raising Ruth's suspicions.
- Ruth suspects Jan is stealing food from a nearby depot due to its strange labeling and American origin.
- The presence of a military court next to the school adds tension to Ruth's concerns about Jan's activities.
Jan's Secretive Behavior
- Edek decides to investigate Jan's routine and follows him to a farm, noticing Jan leaving work early.
- Edek observes Jan meeting a ragged youth near the railway, where they appear to have an arranged meeting.
- Jan climbs a signal ramp, leading Edek to question Jan’s intentions and to fear potential danger.
Climax and Tension
- Edek witnesses Jan working frantically at the signal while an approaching train rumbles in the distance.
- The signal changes to green unexpectedly, increasing the urgency of Edek's intervention.
- Edek is compelled to call out to Jan, deeply concerned for both their safety and the potential implications of Jan's actions.
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Description
This quiz is about a story where Edek is struggling with his health. He has a persistent cough and finds it difficult to walk due to sore feet. Ruth, his companion, is worried and suggests he take a week's rest.
