Questions and Answers
What happened immediately before this chapter begins that causes Gordie to have a new appreciation for life?
The kids almost died by being run over by the train.
Who is Richie Jenner and how does he encourage Gordie's writing?
Richie Jenner was a friend of a group that moved away when they were younger. He encouraged Gordie's writing by telling him that his writings are good and that he should become a writer.
Why does Gordie not stop Teddy and Vern from interrupting his 'pie-eating contest' story?
Gordie isn't really bothered when he is interrupted.
What is the main character's name and how is he tormented by the people in his town?
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What's the main character's plan for revenge? Describe how this character gets their revenge.
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How might Gordie be using this short story as a way of dealing with the problems in his own life?
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What advice does Chris offer Gordie in this chapter about his friendship with Vern and Teddy?
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Explain what really happened with the milk money.
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How is Chris' teacher, Mrs. Simons another unreliable adult in his life?
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What does Gordie say is the most terrifying thing about Ray's death in this chapter?
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What frightens the boys in this chapter?
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Describe Gordie's nightmare of Chris drowning. Explain how this nightmare may be symbolic of the boys' friendship. Explain how it might foreshadow what's to come.
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Why does adult Gordie recall seeing the deer as the best part of the trip?
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How is seeing the deer another moment that is difficult to put into words?
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Why does Gordie cry in this chapter? Describe what he must be thinking about at this moment.
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Why do you think it is still difficult for adult Gordie to discuss his experience with the leeches that summer in 1960?
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Study Notes
Gordie's New Appreciation for Life
- Gordie gains a new perspective on life after a near-death experience with a train.
Richie Jenner's Influence
- Richie Jenner, a childhood friend, encourages Gordie's writing and inspires him to pursue his passion for storytelling.
Interruptions in Storytelling
- Gordie accepts interruptions from Teddy and Vern, showing his relaxed attitude towards storytelling.
Gordie's Short Story Character
- David Hogan, the protagonist in Gordie's short story, faces torment and bullying from his community, being derogatorily called "******** Hogan."
Revenge Plot of David Hogan
- David's revenge involves consuming numerous blueberry pies and utilizing caster oil to induce vomiting, enabling him to continue his act of revenge.
Autobiographical Elements in Gordie's Writing
- Gordie channels his emotions and desires for revenge through his storytelling, reflecting challenges he faces in real life.
Chris's Friendship Advice
- Chris advises Gordie not to hold back his potential for the sake of his friends, fearing they may impede his success.
Milk Money Incident
- Chris admits to stealing milk money but justifies his actions by stating he later gave it to Mrs. Simons.
Mrs. Simons as an Unreliable Adult
- Chris's teacher, Mrs. Simons, proves unreliable by misusing the money Chris entrusted her with for personal purchases.
Reflections on Ray's Death
- Gordie imagines the unsettling image of Ray's death alone, leading to painful reflections on the loneliness associated with dying.
Boys' Fear and Reaction
- The boys are frightened by an eerie sobbing sound, prompting them to huddle together for comfort.
Symbolic Nightmare
- Gordie's nightmare of Chris drowning foreshadows potential dangers ahead in their friendship while highlighting his fears of failing to save a friend.
Significance of Seeing the Deer
- Adult Gordie regards the sighting of a deer as a highlight of the trip, representing peace and hope amidst turmoil.
Expressing Difficult Emotions
- Gordie's encounter with the deer evokes profound feelings that are challenging to articulate, capturing the complexities of emotional experiences.
Gordie's Disturbing Leeches Experience
- Gordie cries due to the discomfort of a leech on his body, symbolizing feelings of helplessness and the absurdity of the situation.
Challenges in Discussing Distress
- Adult Gordie struggles to communicate the incident with the leech, as it reflects a moment of distress that complicates his memory and the retelling of events.
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Description
Test your knowledge on key events and character influences in Chapters 15-21 of Stephen King's 'The Body'. This quiz covers important moments that shape Gordie's perspective and relationships that impact his writing journey.