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Questions and Answers
What was the primary activity Og engaged in after the winter?
Which type of landscaping did Og and Bette decide against?
Which specific feature of the home was mentioned as having received alterations by multiple people?
What type of roses did Og hope to find among the rosebushes?
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What was Og's opinion on dandelions in the yard?
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What event is associated with Patriots' Day in Massachusetts?
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What was Og's mother's dream for him?
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What memory does Og associate with the Boston Marathon?
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What caused Og to feel closer to his mother during his chores?
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How does Og describe his journey to becoming a writer?
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What significant event regarding Johnny Kelley is mentioned in the chapter?
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How does Og feel upon hearing about Johnny Kelley running the marathon at age 83?
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What does Og reflect on while walking along Blueberry Lane?
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What triggers Og's vivid recollections of the past?
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What does Og describe as a common occurrence since moving to Langville?
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Study Notes
The Return to Langville
- The narrator returns to Langville, New Hampshire after a winter and a book tour
- He and his wife Bette are determined to live in a simple way and create a natural landscape on their property
- The narrator enjoys a peaceful walk and memories of his childhood in nearby Natick, Massachusetts along with the story of his mother's dream for him to become a writer
- He listens to his old radio, which is perpetually tuned to WBZ, his mother's favorite station, and experiences a moment of deep emotional connection with her
- The broadcast of the Boston Marathon triggers a flood of memories, specifically related to his mother's favorite marathon runner, Johnny Kelley, whom she cheered on to victory in 1935
- As an unexpected coincidence, the radio announcer reveals that Johnny Kelley, now 83 years old, is participating in his 59th BAA Marathon
- The narrator is moved by this news and feels a profound sense of connection to both his mother and his early years in New England
The Old Pound, A Place of Historical Significance
- The narrator explores the old pound, a historical landmark in Langville that serves as a reminder of the region's past
- He reflects on the era of the pound's construction (1817) and notes significant events during that period, including the inauguration of James Monroe as the 5th US President and the birth of Henry David Thoreau
- The narrator experiences a feeling of tranquility and connection to a sense of something larger than himself
A Surprising Encounter
- The narrator encounters an old man, Simon Potter, who was a mentor and friend to him several years ago as a young man
- Notably, Simon Potter has a wooden cross around his neck, a symbol of a spiritual connection that he and the narrator share
- The narrator deeply misses Simon and expresses how long he has felt their absence from one another
- Simon Potter seems to understand and reciprocate the narrator's sentiments
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Description
Explore the emotional journey of a narrator returning to Langville, New Hampshire, and reflecting on memories of his childhood and his mother. This quiz dives into themes of family ties, nostalgia, and the impact of past experiences on one's identity. Join us in connecting with the poignant story that intertwines personal history with the Boston Marathon.
