Questions and Answers
In what year does the story take place?
1960
What is the purpose of the treehouse?
Where the boys play cards, look at girlie books, read and smoke
What did Teddy use to hide his ears?
Long hair
Who is Ray Brower?
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What did Vern overhear?
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Describe Chris's father.
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Why weren't Gordie's parents interested in what he did?
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Who is Milo?
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What did Teddy's father do?
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What is a chopper?
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What is a goocher?
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Who calms Teddy down when he wants to kill Milo?
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Who stops Teddy from dodging the train?
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What is a coin flip used for?
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How does Gordie's father feel about him?
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What is notable about Chris?
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What does Chris swipe from his father?
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Who is Eyeball?
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What crazy thing does Teddy do on the tracks?
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Where do the boys go to fill their canteens?
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Study Notes
Setting and Context
- The story is set in 1960, reflecting a time when childhood experiences were shaped by adventure and exploration.
Key Locations
- The boys often gather in a treehouse, which serves as a space for card games, reading girlie books, and smoking.
Character Descriptions
- Teddy hides his unusual-looking ears with long hair, causing others to describe them as resembling "two balls of wax."
- Ray Brower is a local boy from Castle Rock who goes missing after going to pick wild fruit.
Plot Developments
- Vern overhears a conversation between his brother Bill and Charlie about a body found along the Black Harlow road, setting the plot in motion.
- Chris’s father is depicted as an irresponsible figure, often drunk, jobless, and abusive.
Family Dynamics
- Gordie's parents are disinterested in his life because he is seen as a replacement after the death of his favored brother, Dennis.
Conflicts
- Milo, a junkyard man, provokes Teddy by insulting his deceased father, igniting Teddy's fury.
- Teddy’s father is a war veteran who fought on the beaches of Normandy, adding complexity to Teddy's character.
Symbolism and Terms
- Chopper is referenced as the infamous junkyard dog, synonymous with danger and risk in their surroundings.
- "Goocher," meaning flipping four tails, symbolizes bad luck within their superstitions.
Interpersonal Relationships
- Chris serves as a balancing force, calming Teddy during moments of rage and conflict.
- Gordie plays a pivotal role by preventing Teddy from recklessly dodging an oncoming train.
Actions and Behavior
- A coin flip determines who among the boys will go to the store for food, showcasing their resourcefulness and decision-making.
- Chris steals a gun and Winstons (cigarettes) from his father, highlighting his rebellion and desire for independence.
Risks and Dangers
- Teddy engages in dangerous behavior, such as train-dodging, which underscores the reckless nature of their youth and the thrill-seeking aspect of their adventures.
- The dump serves as a location of exploration, where the boys gather necessities like water, emphasizing their resourceful yet challenging upbringing.
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Description
Test your knowledge of key terms and concepts from Chapter 9 of Stephen King's 'The Body'. This quiz covers important events, characters, and settings in the story. Perfect for fans of the book or students studying its themes.