Podcast
Questions and Answers
What color is the house with a door that doesn't quite close?
What color is the house with a door that doesn't quite close?
- White
- Blue
- Green (correct)
- Yellow
What was the condition of the stairs in the yellow house?
What was the condition of the stairs in the yellow house?
- Tiled stairs
- Wooden stairs
- No rugs on the stairs (correct)
- Carpeted stairs
What did the driver have on the front of her sweats?
What did the driver have on the front of her sweats?
- Chocolate stain
- Coffee stain
- Ketchup stain
- Mustard stain (correct)
What did Hollis have on her feet in the car?
What did Hollis have on her feet in the car?
What is the name of the protagonist in 'The Summer of the Swans'?
What is the name of the protagonist in 'The Summer of the Swans'?
Where is Hollis sent to spend the summer?
Where is Hollis sent to spend the summer?
Who does Hollis bond with during her summer in Branches?
Who does Hollis bond with during her summer in Branches?
What do Steven and his father share with Hollis that makes her feel welcome?
What do Steven and his father share with Hollis that makes her feel welcome?
What do Hollis and the Regans bond over during a meal?
What do Hollis and the Regans bond over during a meal?
What does the encounter with the Regans mark for Hollis?
What does the encounter with the Regans mark for Hollis?
How does Hollis initially feel with the Regans?
How does Hollis initially feel with the Regans?
What contrasts with Hollis's previous experiences when she is with the Regans?
What contrasts with Hollis's previous experiences when she is with the Regans?
What does Hollis start to feel with the Regans?
What does Hollis start to feel with the Regans?
What emotion does Hollis begin to experience with the Regans?
What emotion does Hollis begin to experience with the Regans?
How does Hollis feel after spending time with the Regans?
How does Hollis feel after spending time with the Regans?
What does Hollis initially struggle with when she is with the Regans?
What does Hollis initially struggle with when she is with the Regans?
What does Hollis admire in Josie's kitchen?
What does Hollis admire in Josie's kitchen?
What does Josie plan to show Hollis during their drive?
What does Josie plan to show Hollis during their drive?
What is hanging from the windshield of Josie's car?
What is hanging from the windshield of Josie's car?
What is Hollis concerned about regarding Henry?
What is Hollis concerned about regarding Henry?
What does Steven boast about?
What does Steven boast about?
What does Hollis reflect on at Josie Cahill's house?
What does Hollis reflect on at Josie Cahill's house?
What does Hollis admire in her room at Josie's house?
What does Hollis admire in her room at Josie's house?
What does Josie affectionately refer to her cat as?
What does Josie affectionately refer to her cat as?
What does Hollis do about her school attendance?
What does Hollis do about her school attendance?
What inspires Hollis to sketch the house?
What inspires Hollis to sketch the house?
What is the name of Josie's old Buick?
What is the name of Josie's old Buick?
What does Josie have hanging from the windshield of her car?
What does Josie have hanging from the windshield of her car?
What initially causes Hollis to feel anxious on the trip?
What initially causes Hollis to feel anxious on the trip?
What captivates Hollis upon reaching the ocean?
What captivates Hollis upon reaching the ocean?
What do Josie and Hollis discuss at the ocean?
What do Josie and Hollis discuss at the ocean?
What overwhelms Hollis emotionally at the ocean?
What overwhelms Hollis emotionally at the ocean?
What invitation does Josie extend to Hollis at the ocean?
What invitation does Josie extend to Hollis at the ocean?
What do the characters plan to do by the river?
What do the characters plan to do by the river?
What does Hollis reflect on regarding the nearby mountain?
What does Hollis reflect on regarding the nearby mountain?
What does the narrative introduce Steven and Izzy as?
What does the narrative introduce Steven and Izzy as?
What do the characters experience while walking along the jetty?
What do the characters experience while walking along the jetty?
What starts to make Hollis feel a sense of belonging?
What starts to make Hollis feel a sense of belonging?
What guidance does Hollis receive from the Old Man?
What guidance does Hollis receive from the Old Man?
What do Hollis and Josie discuss during the trip?
What do Hollis and Josie discuss during the trip?
What captivates the protagonist about Josie upon their first meeting?
What captivates the protagonist about Josie upon their first meeting?
What does Josie offer to create for the protagonist?
What does Josie offer to create for the protagonist?
What does the protagonist reflect on when considering Josie's offer?
What does the protagonist reflect on when considering Josie's offer?
Where is Josie's backyard located?
Where is Josie's backyard located?
What does the Mustard Woman wait to deliver a speech about?
What does the Mustard Woman wait to deliver a speech about?
What does the protagonist feel about the Mustard Woman's intentions?
What does the protagonist feel about the Mustard Woman's intentions?
What does Josie show the protagonist in her backyard?
What does Josie show the protagonist in her backyard?
What does the protagonist feel compelled to do in Josie's presence?
What does the protagonist feel compelled to do in Josie's presence?
What does the protagonist reflect on regarding her typical routine?
What does the protagonist reflect on regarding her typical routine?
What does the protagonist feel hesitant about doing for a long period?
What does the protagonist feel hesitant about doing for a long period?
What does the protagonist feel compelled to make of Josie?
What does the protagonist feel compelled to make of Josie?
What does the protagonist admire about Josie?
What does the protagonist admire about Josie?
What does Josie plan to show Hollis during their drive?
What does Josie plan to show Hollis during their drive?
What does the protagonist feel compelled to make of Josie?
What does the protagonist feel compelled to make of Josie?
What overwhelms Hollis emotionally at the ocean?
What overwhelms Hollis emotionally at the ocean?
What does the protagonist admire about Josie?
What does the protagonist admire about Josie?
What is Josie carving the figure of Hollis from?
What is Josie carving the figure of Hollis from?
What does the 'mustard woman' arrive to do?
What does the 'mustard woman' arrive to do?
What does the Old Man give Hollis as a present?
What does the Old Man give Hollis as a present?
What does Hollis carry for good luck?
What does Hollis carry for good luck?
What does Hollis draw on the porch while waiting for Steven?
What does Hollis draw on the porch while waiting for Steven?
What is the setting of the story?
What is the setting of the story?
What does Beatrice bring for dinner during her visit?
What does Beatrice bring for dinner during her visit?
What is central to the story?
What is central to the story?
What does the narrative capture about Hollis' growth?
What does the narrative capture about Hollis' growth?
What does Josie gather for Hollis' wood figure?
What does Josie gather for Hollis' wood figure?
What does Hollis find comfort and acceptance in?
What does Hollis find comfort and acceptance in?
What does Hollis admire and wish to be on to see the land from the sea?
What does Hollis admire and wish to be on to see the land from the sea?
What feeling does the text convey about Hollis' life?
What feeling does the text convey about Hollis' life?
What does the story revolve around?
What does the story revolve around?
What causes arguments in the house?
What causes arguments in the house?
What does Hollis carry for good luck?
What does Hollis carry for good luck?
Where do Steven and Hollis go on an adventure?
Where do Steven and Hollis go on an adventure?
What does Hollis feel protective of Josie about?
What does Hollis feel protective of Josie about?
What does Hollis share with Beatrice?
What does Hollis share with Beatrice?
What does the protagonist carry for good luck?
What does the protagonist carry for good luck?
What does Josie inform Hollis about during her cousin's visit?
What does Josie inform Hollis about during her cousin's visit?
What does Hollis wish to be on to see the land from the sea?
What does Hollis wish to be on to see the land from the sea?
What does Hollis receive from the Old Man as a present?
What does Hollis receive from the Old Man as a present?
What does Hollis feel a sense of with the Old Man, Izzy, and Steven?
What does Hollis feel a sense of with the Old Man, Izzy, and Steven?
What does the protagonist find in Josie's attic?
What does the protagonist find in Josie's attic?
Why does Beatrice ask the protagonist to take care of Josie?
Why does Beatrice ask the protagonist to take care of Josie?
What does Steven encourage the protagonist to do?
What does Steven encourage the protagonist to do?
What does the protagonist feel towards Josie?
What does the protagonist feel towards Josie?
What does Beatrice leave with the protagonist before leaving?
What does Beatrice leave with the protagonist before leaving?
What does the protagonist want to do differently?
What does the protagonist want to do differently?
What does the protagonist find attached to a particular picture?
What does the protagonist find attached to a particular picture?
Why is the protagonist reluctant to let Beatrice leave?
Why is the protagonist reluctant to let Beatrice leave?
What do Steven and the Old Man leave to do, leaving the protagonist behind?
What do Steven and the Old Man leave to do, leaving the protagonist behind?
What does the protagonist feel compelled to do in Josie's presence?
What does the protagonist feel compelled to do in Josie's presence?
What does the protagonist feel attached to in Josie's house?
What does the protagonist feel attached to in Josie's house?
What do Steven and the Old Man discuss with the protagonist, leaving her feeling welcome?
What do Steven and the Old Man discuss with the protagonist, leaving her feeling welcome?
What does Beatrice emphasize as important in artistic guidance to the protagonist?
What does Beatrice emphasize as important in artistic guidance to the protagonist?
What does the Old Man reveal about 'Hollis Woods'?
What does the Old Man reveal about 'Hollis Woods'?
What does the protagonist receive praise for from the Old Man?
What does the protagonist receive praise for from the Old Man?
What do the characters provide to the protagonist in addition to recognition of her talent?
What do the characters provide to the protagonist in addition to recognition of her talent?
What does the text highlight regarding the protagonist's response to the characters' recognition of her artistic talent?
What does the text highlight regarding the protagonist's response to the characters' recognition of her artistic talent?
What does the Old Man's acknowledgment of the protagonist's talent and personal essence in her drawings mark for the protagonist?
What does the Old Man's acknowledgment of the protagonist's talent and personal essence in her drawings mark for the protagonist?
What does Beatrice plan and express her intention to do for the protagonist?
What does Beatrice plan and express her intention to do for the protagonist?
What does the protagonist reflect on regarding the characters' encouragement and insight?
What does the protagonist reflect on regarding the characters' encouragement and insight?
What does the protagonist reflect on when considering Josie's offer?
What does the protagonist reflect on when considering Josie's offer?
What does the protagonist feel compelled to do in Josie's presence?
What does the protagonist feel compelled to do in Josie's presence?
What does the protagonist admire about Josie?
What does the protagonist admire about Josie?
What does the protagonist feel hesitant about doing for a long period?
What does the protagonist feel hesitant about doing for a long period?
What does the stucco woman's voice in Hollis' head refer to her as?
What does the stucco woman's voice in Hollis' head refer to her as?
What does the Mustard Woman emphasize to Hollis about Mrs. Cahill?
What does the Mustard Woman emphasize to Hollis about Mrs. Cahill?
What does Hollis inform the Mustard Woman she is drawing?
What does Hollis inform the Mustard Woman she is drawing?
What does the Old Man give to Hollis as a present?
What does the Old Man give to Hollis as a present?
What is the protagonist's main concern driving the urgency to leave?
What is the protagonist's main concern driving the urgency to leave?
What is the protagonist struggling with while making the decision to leave?
What is the protagonist struggling with while making the decision to leave?
What reassurance does the protagonist seek during the journey?
What reassurance does the protagonist seek during the journey?
What is the protagonist relieved to find at the gas station?
What is the protagonist relieved to find at the gas station?
What emotion does the protagonist experience due to the toll the journey is taking on them?
What emotion does the protagonist experience due to the toll the journey is taking on them?
What is the protagonist determined to reach despite the challenges and uncertainties?
What is the protagonist determined to reach despite the challenges and uncertainties?
What is the setting for the majority of the text?
What is the setting for the majority of the text?
What challenges do they encounter on the road?
What challenges do they encounter on the road?
Who is hesitant but eventually agrees to go on the journey?
Who is hesitant but eventually agrees to go on the journey?
What is the protagonist frantically packing for the journey?
What is the protagonist frantically packing for the journey?
What is the protagonist seeking from the imagined conversations with Izzy and the Old Man?
What is the protagonist seeking from the imagined conversations with Izzy and the Old Man?
What does the text convey about the protagonist's feelings during the escape?
What does the text convey about the protagonist's feelings during the escape?
What is the woman anxious about regarding their current situation?
What is the woman anxious about regarding their current situation?
What does the woman recall about her previous attempt to run away?
What does the woman recall about her previous attempt to run away?
What is the woman's emotional reaction upon arriving at a house?
What is the woman's emotional reaction upon arriving at a house?
What is the woman trying to do as they drive to their destination?
What is the woman trying to do as they drive to their destination?
What does the woman feel compelled to do for Josie and Henry?
What does the woman feel compelled to do for Josie and Henry?
What does the woman plan to do upon reaching Branches?
What does the woman plan to do upon reaching Branches?
What does the woman recall upon crossing a bridge?
What does the woman recall upon crossing a bridge?
What is the woman apprehensive about, but tries to remain optimistic for?
What is the woman apprehensive about, but tries to remain optimistic for?
What captivates the woman about Josie and Henry's new home?
What captivates the woman about Josie and Henry's new home?
What does the woman try to do as they arrive at the new house?
What does the woman try to do as they arrive at the new house?
What does the woman worry about regarding the Mustard Woman's intentions?
What does the woman worry about regarding the Mustard Woman's intentions?
What does the woman try to keep Josie doing during the drive?
What does the woman try to keep Josie doing during the drive?
What does the protagonist plan to escape with Josie in?
What does the protagonist plan to escape with Josie in?
What does the protagonist recall a conversation about with the mustard woman?
What does the protagonist recall a conversation about with the mustard woman?
What does the protagonist plan to embark on with Josie?
What does the protagonist plan to embark on with Josie?
What does the protagonist remember a doll with pale painted eyes and a promise to save it in the morning, connecting it to?
What does the protagonist remember a doll with pale painted eyes and a promise to save it in the morning, connecting it to?
What does the protagonist reminisce about regarding Steven and the house in Hancock?
What does the protagonist reminisce about regarding Steven and the house in Hancock?
What does the protagonist recall a frenzied week in August with Steven, Izzy, and the Old Man, and the difficult decision to leave them?
What does the protagonist recall a frenzied week in August with Steven, Izzy, and the Old Man, and the difficult decision to leave them?
What does the protagonist grapple with feelings of guilt and concern about?
What does the protagonist grapple with feelings of guilt and concern about?
What does the protagonist reflect on regarding the struggle of fitting into a family?
What does the protagonist reflect on regarding the struggle of fitting into a family?
What does the protagonist reminisce about in connection to the approaching fall?
What does the protagonist reminisce about in connection to the approaching fall?
What does the protagonist reflect on when considering the decision to leave?
What does the protagonist reflect on when considering the decision to leave?
What does the protagonist feel determined to do, despite financial constraints?
What does the protagonist feel determined to do, despite financial constraints?
What does the protagonist recall about a heartfelt moment of belonging and acceptance?
What does the protagonist recall about a heartfelt moment of belonging and acceptance?
What does the narrator struggle with when trying to move the car into the shed?
What does the narrator struggle with when trying to move the car into the shed?
What does the narrator reflect on when tending to Josie's cold feet?
What does the narrator reflect on when tending to Josie's cold feet?
What does the narrator try to assure Josie about regarding the house?
What does the narrator try to assure Josie about regarding the house?
What does the text emphasize about the setting and characters?
What does the text emphasize about the setting and characters?
What does the narrator reminisce about regarding the house?
What does the narrator reminisce about regarding the house?
What does the narrator plan to do with the car?
What does the narrator plan to do with the car?
What does the text suggest about the significance of the Silver Bullet and the damaged truck?
What does the text suggest about the significance of the Silver Bullet and the damaged truck?
What does the narrator indicate by tending to Josie's cold feet?
What does the narrator indicate by tending to Josie's cold feet?
What does the narrator find familiar about their surroundings?
What does the narrator find familiar about their surroundings?
What does the narrator and Josie's arrival at the house reveal about their plans?
What does the narrator and Josie's arrival at the house reveal about their plans?
What does the text suggest about the relationship between the narrator, Josie, the Old Man, and the house?
What does the text suggest about the relationship between the narrator, Josie, the Old Man, and the house?
What does the narrator experience when confronted with the damaged truck in the shed?
What does the narrator experience when confronted with the damaged truck in the shed?
What does the protagonist plan to do with Josie in the spring?
What does the protagonist plan to do with Josie in the spring?
What does the protagonist consider using for shading in the pictures?
What does the protagonist consider using for shading in the pictures?
What does the protagonist recall while hacking branches for decorations?
What does the protagonist recall while hacking branches for decorations?
What does Josie surprise the protagonist with for Christmas Eve dinner?
What does Josie surprise the protagonist with for Christmas Eve dinner?
What does the protagonist dream of on Christmas Eve?
What does the protagonist dream of on Christmas Eve?
What does the protagonist desire the next morning?
What does the protagonist desire the next morning?
What does the protagonist plan to use for decoration?
What does the protagonist plan to use for decoration?
What does the text primarily explore?
What does the text primarily explore?
What does the protagonist plan to have for a special dinner?
What does the protagonist plan to have for a special dinner?
What does the protagonist do while decorating the house with ornaments?
What does the protagonist do while decorating the house with ornaments?
What does the protagonist feel excited for on Christmas Eve?
What does the protagonist feel excited for on Christmas Eve?
What gift does the protagonist plan to give?
What gift does the protagonist plan to give?
What does the protagonist find and set up to enhance the festive ambiance?
What does the protagonist find and set up to enhance the festive ambiance?
What does the cold do, as described in the text?
What does the cold do, as described in the text?
What memories continue to haunt the protagonist in the wilderness?
What memories continue to haunt the protagonist in the wilderness?
What does the protagonist urge to start with Josie?
What does the protagonist urge to start with Josie?
What does the protagonist start sketching a picture of, but is distracted by memories of a significant event?
What does the protagonist start sketching a picture of, but is distracted by memories of a significant event?
What does the story capture the magic and beauty of?
What does the story capture the magic and beauty of?
What day of the week is hinted to be associated with a tragic event involving Steven?
What day of the week is hinted to be associated with a tragic event involving Steven?
What does the protagonist's thoughts and actions reveal?
What does the protagonist's thoughts and actions reveal?
What does the excerpt convey a sense of amidst the cold and snow?
What does the excerpt convey a sense of amidst the cold and snow?
What is the overarching theme explored in the story?
What is the overarching theme explored in the story?
Who does the protagonist attempt to create a festive atmosphere with in the wilderness?
Who does the protagonist attempt to create a festive atmosphere with in the wilderness?
What emotions does the protagonist struggle with while trying to navigate memories in the wilderness?
What emotions does the protagonist struggle with while trying to navigate memories in the wilderness?
What is juxtaposed with the protagonist's attempts to create a Christmas atmosphere in the story?
What is juxtaposed with the protagonist's attempts to create a Christmas atmosphere in the story?
What does the narrative allude to in the wilderness?
What does the narrative allude to in the wilderness?
What causes the protagonist to hesitate before calling for help?
What causes the protagonist to hesitate before calling for help?
What does Steven initially feel when he arrives to rescue the protagonist?
What does Steven initially feel when he arrives to rescue the protagonist?
What does the protagonist reveal to Steven during their conversation at the top of the hill?
What does the protagonist reveal to Steven during their conversation at the top of the hill?
What happens as Steven and the protagonist start descending the hill in the truck?
What happens as Steven and the protagonist start descending the hill in the truck?
What does Steven urge the protagonist to do when the truck tips?
What does Steven urge the protagonist to do when the truck tips?
What is the outcome of the story's climax?
What is the outcome of the story's climax?
What does the protagonist do before reaching the top of the hill?
What does the protagonist do before reaching the top of the hill?
What does the protagonist lose balance and fall while doing?
What does the protagonist lose balance and fall while doing?
What does the protagonist recall a frenzied week in August with?
What does the protagonist recall a frenzied week in August with?
What does Steven offer to the protagonist after hearing about their struggles?
What does Steven offer to the protagonist after hearing about their struggles?
What does the protagonist show Steven during their conversation at the top of the hill?
What does the protagonist show Steven during their conversation at the top of the hill?
What is the protagonist's main fear while hesitating to call for help?
What is the protagonist's main fear while hesitating to call for help?
What causes the protagonist to struggle with sleep?
What causes the protagonist to struggle with sleep?
Who arrives to help the protagonist's injured brother after the truck accident?
Who arrives to help the protagonist's injured brother after the truck accident?
What injuries does the protagonist receive treatment for?
What injuries does the protagonist receive treatment for?
What confirms that Steven will recover from his injuries?
What confirms that Steven will recover from his injuries?
What drives the protagonist's decision to leave a note and return to Long Island?
What drives the protagonist's decision to leave a note and return to Long Island?
What marks the protagonist's departure?
What marks the protagonist's departure?
What does the protagonist seek with the stucco woman?
What does the protagonist seek with the stucco woman?
What emotions drive the protagonist's decision to sever ties with the family?
What emotions drive the protagonist's decision to sever ties with the family?
What does the protagonist's departure reflect?
What does the protagonist's departure reflect?
What does the protagonist recall watching outside their house before the distressing memory?
What does the protagonist recall watching outside their house before the distressing memory?
What does the protagonist express a strong desire to do after the truck accident?
What does the protagonist express a strong desire to do after the truck accident?
What does the protagonist receive treatment for?
What does the protagonist receive treatment for?
What does the protagonist recall about Izzy and the Old Man's offer to take anything?
What does the protagonist recall about Izzy and the Old Man's offer to take anything?
What does Steven notice about the protagonist while she enjoys Izzy's candies?
What does Steven notice about the protagonist while she enjoys Izzy's candies?
What does the protagonist recall about Izzy's comment regarding her always having a lump in one cheek?
What does the protagonist recall about Izzy's comment regarding her always having a lump in one cheek?
What does the protagonist offer to Josie from the round tin?
What does the protagonist offer to Josie from the round tin?
What does Hollis ask Steven to do for her?
What does Hollis ask Steven to do for her?
What does the picture of Hollis' family symbolize?
What does the picture of Hollis' family symbolize?
What does Izzy give Hollis as a gift?
What does Izzy give Hollis as a gift?
How often does Hollis visit Josie?
How often does Hollis visit Josie?
What is the family doing in the picture that Hollis hangs in her room?
What is the family doing in the picture that Hollis hangs in her room?
What does Beatrice want Hollis and Josie to do?
What does Beatrice want Hollis and Josie to do?
What does the picture of Hollis' family represent to her?
What does the picture of Hollis' family represent to her?
What does Steven offer to fix for Hollis?
What does Steven offer to fix for Hollis?
What does the family's picture show about their relationship?
What does the family's picture show about their relationship?
What does Hollis feel guilty about?
What does Hollis feel guilty about?
What does Beatrice discuss with Steven while preparing Hollis' room?
What does Beatrice discuss with Steven while preparing Hollis' room?
What does Hollis call Izzy to ask?
What does Hollis call Izzy to ask?
What does Hollis plan to do after finding Josie asleep on the couch?
What does Hollis plan to do after finding Josie asleep on the couch?
What does Steven reveal about the accident?
What does Steven reveal about the accident?
What does Hollis hear that prompts her to run towards the road?
What does Hollis hear that prompts her to run towards the road?
What does Hollis do while waiting for Steven?
What does Hollis do while waiting for Steven?
What does Josie tell Hollis about?
What does Josie tell Hollis about?
What does Steven reveal about Hollis' fame?
What does Steven reveal about Hollis' fame?
What does Hollis consider doing after finding Josie asleep on the couch?
What does Hollis consider doing after finding Josie asleep on the couch?
What does Hollis do upon hearing a snowmobile?
What does Hollis do upon hearing a snowmobile?
What does Josie talk to Hollis about?
What does Josie talk to Hollis about?
What does Steven reveal about the Old Man's intentions?
What does Steven reveal about the Old Man's intentions?
What does Hollis do after finding Josie asleep on the couch?
What does Hollis do after finding Josie asleep on the couch?
What does Hollis ask Josie about?
What does Hollis ask Josie about?
What does Hollis contemplate doing with her drawings of her current family?
What does Hollis contemplate doing with her drawings of her current family?
What does Hollis realize about the Old Man's affection for Steven?
What does Hollis realize about the Old Man's affection for Steven?
What does Hollis try to do in order to confirm her suspicion about a past event involving Steven?
What does Hollis try to do in order to confirm her suspicion about a past event involving Steven?
What does Hollis do in an attempt to entice Josie?
What does Hollis do in an attempt to entice Josie?
What does Hollis feel haunted by on the night before she wakes up at dawn?
What does Hollis feel haunted by on the night before she wakes up at dawn?
What does Hollis wake up still grappling with?
What does Hollis wake up still grappling with?
What does the text capture about Hollis' struggle?
What does the text capture about Hollis' struggle?
What does Hollis feel a strong desire to belong in?
What does Hollis feel a strong desire to belong in?
What does Hollis contemplate capturing in a drawing?
What does Hollis contemplate capturing in a drawing?
What does Hollis resolve to do regarding Beatrice and Josie?
What does Hollis resolve to do regarding Beatrice and Josie?
What does Hollis recall about her drawings and Josie?
What does Hollis recall about her drawings and Josie?
What does Hollis have a revelation about during her reflection on a past conversation with Josie?
What does Hollis have a revelation about during her reflection on a past conversation with Josie?
What triggers bittersweet memories for the protagonist?
What triggers bittersweet memories for the protagonist?
What prompts the protagonist's desire for the outdoors?
What prompts the protagonist's desire for the outdoors?
What does the protagonist resist when interacting with Mr. Regan?
What does the protagonist resist when interacting with Mr. Regan?
What does the drawing at an agency reveal about perception and reality?
What does the drawing at an agency reveal about perception and reality?
What does the protagonist reminisce about, evoking sadness and longing?
What does the protagonist reminisce about, evoking sadness and longing?
What does the protagonist experience as she walks outside?
What does the protagonist experience as she walks outside?
What does the protagonist find resembling herself, expressing a mixture of emotions?
What does the protagonist find resembling herself, expressing a mixture of emotions?
What does the protagonist reflect on regarding her son's perception of her?
What does the protagonist reflect on regarding her son's perception of her?
What does the protagonist resist when interacting with Mr. Regan?
What does the protagonist resist when interacting with Mr. Regan?
What does the protagonist recall, prompting a desire for the outdoors?
What does the protagonist recall, prompting a desire for the outdoors?
What does the protagonist reminisce about, evoking sadness and longing?
What does the protagonist reminisce about, evoking sadness and longing?
What does the protagonist experience as she walks outside?
What does the protagonist experience as she walks outside?
Study Notes
A Day by the Ocean
- The protagonist, Hollis, is on a trip with Josie, who is driving them to the Atlantic Ocean.
- Hollis is initially anxious about the trip but eventually relaxes as they encounter minimal traffic.
- Upon reaching the ocean, Hollis is captivated by its grandeur and beauty.
- Josie and Hollis discuss the differences between salt-water and freshwater people and their love for the water.
- They walk along the jetty and experience the sights, smells, and sounds of the ocean.
- Hollis becomes emotionally overwhelmed, thinking about her past and her relationships.
- Josie invites Hollis to stay longer and work on her tree figure, reflecting on her emotional state.
- Hollis reflects on her feelings about the nearby mountain and her artistic endeavors.
- The narrative introduces Steven and Izzy, other characters on the trip, and their interactions with Hollis.
- The group plans to fish by the river, and Hollis receives guidance from the Old Man.
- Hollis starts to feel a sense of belonging and connection with the people and the environment around her.
- The text vividly describes the sensory experiences and emotions of the characters during the day by the ocean.
The Mustard Woman and Josie Cahill
- The protagonist is being dropped off by the Mustard Woman, who is waiting to deliver a speech about a new start and being good.
- The protagonist is skeptical of the Mustard Woman's intentions and her ability to understand and care for them.
- Josie Cahill, a beautiful woman with a knife, is introduced as the protagonist arrives at her new home.
- The protagonist is captivated by Josie's beauty, her attire, and the knife she carries.
- The protagonist feels compelled to draw Josie and is drawn to her artistic nature and the knife.
- The interaction with Josie continues as she invites the protagonist into her home and introduces her to her cat, Henry.
- Josie takes the protagonist to her backyard, which is a garden on the edge of the woods, and shows her wooden figures with faces.
- The protagonist engages in conversation with Josie and expresses interest in making a wooden figure of her.
- Josie offers to create a wooden figure of the protagonist if she stays, which prompts the protagonist to reflect on her tendency to leave places quickly.
- The protagonist is hesitant about staying for a long period, as she usually leaves when she has had enough.
- The protagonist considers the offer and Josie's artistic talents, contemplating the possibility of staying and having a wooden figure made of herself.
- The chapter ends with the protagonist reflecting on her typical routine of leaving places quickly and her internal struggle with the idea of staying in this new environment.
Artistic Encouragement and Insight
- Beatrice, a former art teacher, admires the protagonist's drawings and expresses disbelief at her talent, which leaves the protagonist emotional.
- Beatrice and Josie, another character, recall their extensive teaching experience and express surprise at the protagonist's artistic ability.
- Beatrice provides artistic guidance to the protagonist, emphasizing the importance of drawing what one truly sees and the self-revelation inherent in art.
- Beatrice expresses her belief in the protagonist's potential and encourages her to embrace her talent, affirming that her art reflects her inner self.
- The Old Man, a character, acknowledges the protagonist's artistic gift and acknowledges the personal essence conveyed in her drawings.
- The Old Man reveals that "Hollis Woods" is a real place, which surprises the protagonist.
- The protagonist sketches the Old Man and receives praise for capturing his essence and shining through her drawings.
- The characters provide emotional support and encouragement to the protagonist, recognizing her talent and the depth of her art.
- Beatrice plans a painting trip and expresses her intention to leave the protagonist in Josie's care, suggesting a growing bond between them.
- The protagonist reflects on the profound impact of the characters' encouragement and insight on her artistic journey.
- The text highlights the protagonist's emotional response to the recognition and validation of her artistic talent by the characters.
- The Old Man's acknowledgment of the protagonist's talent and personal essence in her drawings marks a significant moment of emotional connection and validation for the protagonist.
Winter House Break-In
- The narrator and Josie plan to break into a house, despite the narrator's worries about getting caught and the Old Man's potential disapproval.
- They arrive at the house in bitter cold, and the narrator realizes Josie's open-toed shoes are impractical for the weather.
- They enter the house, which the narrator claims as theirs for the winter, and the narrator tries to make Josie comfortable.
- The narrator reminisces about the house's history and the Old Man, and tries to assure Josie that the house is now theirs.
- The narrator starts a fire and tends to Josie's cold feet, indicating a sense of responsibility and care for her.
- The narrator reflects on the familiarity of their surroundings and the memories associated with the house, particularly a drawing box.
- The narrator and Henry make several trips to the car to bring in belongings from Josie's house.
- The narrator plans to move the car into the shed, and experiences a moment of internal conflict when confronted with the damaged truck in the shed.
- The narrator struggles with the car's low fuel and pleads with it for one more bit, hinting at a potential plan or purpose.
- The text sets a tense and mysterious tone, with hints about the narrator's past and the significance of the Silver Bullet and the damaged truck.
- The story reveals a complex relationship between the narrator, Josie, the Old Man, and the house, suggesting a deeper backstory and potential future developments.
- The text is rich in sensory details, emphasizing the setting's coldness and the characters' actions, thoughts, and emotions.
A Troubled Night and its Aftermath
- The protagonist watches deer outside their house, then recalls a distressing memory of a fisherman and a green sweater.
- The protagonist struggles to sleep due to the memory of a traumatic event involving a truck accident.
- The protagonist's brother, Steven, is injured in the truck accident, and the protagonist seeks help.
- The Old Man and Izzy arrive, concerned about the accident, and an ambulance is called.
- The protagonist gets stitches for a forehead injury and an ankle wrapped in an Ace bandage.
- The protagonist feels responsible for the family's troubles and decides to leave a note and return to Long Island.
- The protagonist seeks refuge with the stucco woman and reflects on the family's dynamics.
- The protagonist receives confirmation from an agency hotshot that Steven will recover from his injuries.
- The protagonist expresses a strong desire to sever ties with the family and never return.
- The protagonist's decision to leave is driven by a sense of guilt and a desire to escape the familial troubles.
- The protagonist's departure is marked by a mix of emotional turmoil and a sense of finality.
- The protagonist's actions and emotions reflect a deep internal conflict and a desire for independence.
A Journey of Self-Discovery and Family Bonds
- The protagonist encounters a tree figurine resembling herself, expressing a mixture of emotions.
- The protagonist is comforted by her friend Josie, who reassures her of her worth and kindness.
- The protagonist and Josie share a moment of bonding and reflection on their desires.
- The protagonist reminisces about her son's upcoming birthday, evoking sadness and longing.
- The protagonist finds a picture of herself and her son, triggering bittersweet memories.
- The protagonist discovers a shell from her first encounter with the ocean, prompting a desire for the outdoors.
- The protagonist recalls a tense encounter with Mr. Regan, where she feels pressured to return home.
- The protagonist resists Mr. Regan's attempts to persuade her to return home, feeling conflicted.
- The protagonist reflects on her son's perception of her and her decision to stay where she is.
- The protagonist experiences a sense of isolation and emotional turmoil as she walks outside.
- The text shifts to a description of a drawing at an agency, revealing a disconnect between perception and reality.
- The protagonist's internal struggle and longing for freedom are conveyed through her actions and surroundings.
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Description
Test your knowledge of character dynamics and emotional narratives through summaries of diverse stories involving protagonists' experiences, relationships, and personal growth.
