251 Questions
Who are the inhabitants of Coven Tree no strangers to?
magic
What is the name of the village derived from?
the huge, twisted tree down at the crossroads where groups of witches used to meet
What is the strange tale that Thaddeus Blinn brought to Coven Tree?
about being able to give people exactly what they asked for
Who were a part of what went on in the story?
Polly, Rowena, and Adam
Who is the narrator of the tale of Thaddeus Blinn and the trouble he brought to Coven Tree village?
Stew Meat, the owner of Coven Tree General Store
What is the Coven Tree Church Social?
It is a yearly event where locals run booths, and 'outsiders' can set up booths for a fee
What does Thaddeus Blinn offer at the Coven Tree Church Social?
He offers wishes for 50 cents and claims he can grant any wish
Who are the three customers that Thaddeus Blinn gathers?
Polly Kemp, Rowena Jervis, and Adam Fiske
What is Polly Kemp known for?
She is known for her brutal honesty
What is Rowena Jervis infatuated with?
She is infatuated with a salesman
What struggle does Adam Fiske face?
He is struggling due to a lack of rain on his family's farm
How do the customers express their feelings towards Blinn's claims?
They express skepticism and impatience
What does Blinn insist about his abilities?
He insists that he can grant any wish
What does the text set up at the Coven Tree Church Social?
It sets up the potential consequences of having wishes granted by Blinn
What is the purpose of introducing the characters and their individual motivations and personalities in the narrative?
To set the stage for the unfolding story
What questions does the text raise about the nature of Blinn's abilities?
It raises questions about the potential outcomes of the wishes he promises to grant
Who finds a large bullfrog by Spider Crick with the help of Leland and Lenora Wickstaff?
Polly Kemp
What did the twins do to Polly that caused a playful argument?
threw mud at her
What did Polly become friends with the twins after they helped her with?
a crow with a broken wing
What are Leland and Lenora known for?
their knowledge of the area and their close bond
How do the twins often retaliate against Polly's sharp tongue?
with pranks
What do the twins enjoy being alone in the woods without?
Polly’s talkativeness
What did Polly feel when the twins avoided her at a Church Social?
left out
What didn’t Leland and Lenora attend?
the Church Social
How is the friendship between Polly, Leland, and Lenora characterized?
teasing, pranks, and a strong bond
What are the twins known for despite their shyness?
not afraid to stand up for each other
What are the dynamics highlighted in the text?
friendship and the adventures shared between Polly, Leland, and Lenora
What does the story showcase between Polly and the Wickstaff twins?
the strong bond and shared adventures
What causes Polly to feel self-conscious at the fair?
Not having money to spend and her simple attire
Who does Polly desire to be friends with?
Agatha and Eunice
What does Polly accidentally do to Agatha's dress ribbon?
She tears it after church
How does Agatha react to Polly tearing her dress ribbon?
She humiliates and rejects Polly
What does Polly wish for using the card from Thaddeus Blinn?
To be liked by people and for Agatha to invite her for tea
What does the story highlight about Polly's longing?
Her longing for acceptance and belief in the power of the card to change her circumstances
What is the central theme of Polly's desire?
To fit in and be accepted by those she admires
What does the narrative explore about social dynamics?
The complexities and the yearning for validation and inclusion
What does the story capture about Polly's emotions?
The vulnerability and longing of a young girl who desires acceptance and friendship
What does Polly mope at home feeling?
Rejected and unwanted
What does Polly remember having bought from Thaddeus Blinn?
A card that promises to grant her wishes
What is Polly hopeful about regarding the card?
She is hopeful that the card will make her wish come true
What does Thaddeus Blinn offer to the four young people?
A wish for fifty cents each
What is the content of the card each person receives from Thaddeus Blinn?
A red spot
How many wishes are the cards said to grant?
A single wish
What does the group feel about Blinn's claims?
Cheated and skeptical
What does Thaddeus Blinn crave instead of money?
Respect and recognition
What warning does Blinn give the group?
To be careful with their wishes
What does the narrator initially think of Blinn's story?
Believes in it
Where does the narrator put the card received from Blinn?
In a cash register
What does the narrator conclude about Blinn?
A crafty humbug
What does Blinn claim he will never do?
Return to the same place
How many wishes can be made with each card?
Only one wish per card
What does the group do after exiting the tent?
Still doubts the validity of the wish cards
What did Polly experience in the morning that led to the disappearance of her croaking voice?
Polly was in the middle of complaining to her mother about burned toast during breakfast when her voice suddenly returned and the croaking disappeared.
Who led Polly to a corner of the school yard and advised her to give her voice a rest?
Leland Wickstaff led Polly to a corner of the school yard and advised her to give her voice a rest.
What did Miss Morasco appreciate about Polly's behavior after her voice returned?
Miss Morasco appreciated the way Polly had been polite all morning and had never seen her like this before.
What subject was scheduled after lunch?
Arithmetic class was scheduled after lunch.
What activity does Leland promise to teach Polly, and how does Polly respond to it?
Leland promises to teach Polly how to throw a baseball so it curves right in midair. Polly thinks it's something fun to know.
How do Agatha and Eunice react to the idea of tickling a trout, and what does Polly think of it?
Agatha and Eunice react with horror and disgust at the idea of tickling a trout. Polly, on the other hand, finds it fun and is interested in learning how to do it.
According to Agatha, what does a real lady not do, and how does she express her opinion about catching fish?
According to Agatha, a real lady does not catch fish. She expresses her opinion about catching fish by stating it positively as something a real lady does not do.
Who does Polly overhear gossiping about her at Stew Meat’s store?
Agatha and Eunice
Where does Polly plan to approach Agatha to apologize?
Stew Meat’s store
What does Polly decide to accept despite the plot against her?
Agatha’s invitation
What does Polly resolve to be the next day?
Friendly to everyone
What surprises Polly's classmates the next day?
Her unusually kind and considerate behavior
What changes as a result of Polly's newfound kindness?
The dynamics with her classmates
Who keeps their distance from Polly after her behavior changes?
Agatha and Eunice
What does Polly reflect on feeling as a result of being kind to everyone?
Unexpected joy
What does Polly wonder if she can maintain at Agatha’s house?
Her newfound kindness
Where does Polly plan to approach Agatha to apologize?
Stew Meat’s store
Who does Polly consider apologizing to in order to break a magic spell?
Agatha Benthorn
What does Polly plan to approach Agatha Benthorn to do?
Apologize to break a magic spell
What strange occurrence happens to Polly in class with Agatha?
Polly corrects Agatha's math mistake in class and is insulted by Agatha, leading to a confrontation.
What remedy does Polly's mother give her for her croaking?
Polly's mother gives her strong tea to cure her croaking.
Who warns Polly about Agatha and Eunice's plot against her?
The Wickstaff twins warn Polly about Agatha and Eunice's plot against her.
What do Leland and Lenora hint at regarding other strange occurrences in Coven Tree?
Leland and Lenora hint at other strange occurrences in Coven Tree, causing Polly to worry about the possibility of the croaking returning.
What does Polly do to reassure herself that she can still talk?
Polly decides to greet everyone to reassure herself she can still talk.
What is Polly's determination in the story?
Polly's determination is to find the reason behind the croaking and solve it.
What does Polly hear outside her window at night?
Polly hears thousands of frogs outside her window at night, causing her to wake up deeply scared of the croaking.
Who sends Polly home from school?
Miss Morasco sends Polly home from school.
What do the Wickstaff twins hint at regarding other strange occurrences in Coven Tree?
Leland and Lenora hint at other strange occurrences in Coven Tree, causing Polly to worry about the possibility of the croaking returning.
What does Polly's determination focus on in the story?
Polly's determination is to find the reason behind the croaking and solve it.
What does Polly worry about regarding the croaking?
Polly worries about the possibility of the croaking returning.
What does Polly's mother give her to cure the croaking?
Polly's mother gives her strong tea to cure her croaking.
What triggers Polly's croaking according to Lenora and Leland?
Polly's croaking is triggered when she starts giving someone a hard time.
What does Polly realize about her croaking and a red spot?
Polly realizes that her croaking might be linked to a wish she made on a red spot, which has partly come true.
What concerns Polly about her wish and her croaking ability?
Polly worries about the consequences of her wish and the possibility of being stuck in a situation where she can only say nice things or croak.
What is the cause of the confrontation on the playground involving Polly?
Charlie and Alfred taunt Polly about her croaking, leading to a confrontation on the playground.
Who are concerned about Polly's croaking at school?
Her teacher and classmates are concerned after Polly inadvertently croaks in front of the whole school.
What does Miss Morasco do regarding Polly's croaking ability?
Miss Morasco tests Polly's ability to speak and lets her return to her seat.
What is the consequence of Polly inadvertently croaking in front of the whole school?
Polly reflects on the mess she created with her wish after she returns to her seat.
What is the initial reaction of Polly's classmates to her croaking ability at school?
Polly is the center of attention at school due to her croaking ability, but the novelty wears off quickly.
What odd behavior do Lenora and Leland describe witnessing from Rowena?
Lenora and Leland describe seeing Rowena talking to trees, which seems odd to Polly.
What does Polly's croaking ability lead to at school?
Polly's croaking ability leads to her being the center of attention at school.
What does Polly do when she inadvertently croaks in front of the whole school?
Polly inadvertently croaks in front of the whole school, leading to concern from her teacher and classmates.
What does Polly reflect on after Miss Morasco tests her ability to speak?
Polly reflects on the mess she created with her wish after Miss Morasco allows her to return to her seat.
Who initially shows disdain towards Polly due to a past incident?
Mrs. Benthorn
What surprising reaction does Polly have when Mrs. Benthorn shows disdain towards her?
Polly apologizes sincerely, surprising Mrs. Benthorn with her politeness
How does Polly respond when Agatha tries to belittle her clothes?
Polly responds gracefully
What does Polly talk about that contrasts with Agatha and Eunice's refined pursuits?
Polly talks about her simple activities
Who did Polly mention learning how to fish from?
Lenora Wickstaff
What do Agatha and Eunice find surprising about Polly's interests?
Agatha and Eunice are surprised by Polly's interests
What challenges Agatha and Eunice's assumptions about Polly?
Polly's unexpected politeness and interests challenge Agatha and Eunice's assumptions
What does Polly usually do after school and what does she enjoy watching?
Polly usually plays down by Spider Crick after school and enjoys watching tadpoles turn into frogs.
How does Eunice express her disdain for Polly's activities and interests?
Eunice expresses her disdain by mentioning that they have their flowers sent in from a florist and by stating her refined pursuits like needlepoint, practicing languages, and looking at magazines for the latest fashions.
What does Agatha and Eunice usually do after having tea and cookies?
Agatha and Eunice usually do needlepoint, practice languages, and look at magazines to see the latest fashions.
What does Polly mention about the flowers along the crick and how does Eunice respond to it?
Polly mentions jack-in-the-pulpit and Queen Anne’s lace along the crick, and Eunice responds by mentioning that they have their flowers sent in from a florist.
What are Rowena's feelings and thoughts as she interacts with Henry and Sam in the text?
Rowena feels upset and overwhelmed by Henry's orders and wonders about Sam's reaction, while also feeling guilty and wanting to explain the situation to Sam.
What does the dialogue and interaction between the characters reveal about their relationships and dynamics?
The dialogue and interaction reveal tension and frustration between Rowena and Henry, as well as a sense of guilt and concern in Rowena's interaction with Sam, suggesting complex interpersonal dynamics.
What is the significance of the physical and emotional reactions of the characters in the text?
The physical reactions, such as Henry feeling tickling in his shoe and expressing pain, and the emotional reactions of feeling upset, guilty, and wanting to explain, contribute to the tension and dynamics of the scene, highlighting the characters' internal and external conflicts.
What does Henry insist on keeping a secret to avoid embarrassment?
the situation of being stuck in the grove
What does Rowena wrap Henry in to keep him warm?
a smelly blanket
What does Henry rudely reject that Rowena brings him?
the doughnut
What does Henry ask Rowena to help him get free with?
a branch
What is Rowena tasked with in relation to Henry?
looking after him until he gets free
What does Rowena find out about a girl named Polly Kemp?
acting strangely at school
What does Henry become unable to do as his condition worsens?
bend his knees or speak properly
What does Rowena's mother become suspicious of?
her behavior and inquires about the school
How does the story end for Henry?
still stuck in the grove
What does Rowena feel at the end of the story?
overwhelmed
What does Rowena find that promises to grant her wishes?
Thaddeus Blinn's sign
Who questions Henry's arrival at the Jervises'?
Sam
What does Rowena make a wish on for Henry to stay?
a red-spotted card
What does the story suggest is keeping Henry in place?
a supernatural force
What does the text hint at regarding a mysterious force at play?
potentially sinister force
What feeling does the story leave the reader with?
sense of uncertainty and tension
What does Rowena hope for regarding Henry's stay?
for him to stay longer
What does Henry decline due to?
work
What does Henry discuss with Mr. Jervis?
machinery
What does Rowena hear and find when she makes a wish for Henry to stay?
Henry's voice and him stuck to the ground
What does Henry ask Rowena for when he is stuck to the ground?
help
What does Rowena find when she looks for a trap holding Henry's feet?
no trap
What does Rowena anxiously anticipate twice a year?
the arrival of Henry Piper
Who is present in the kitchen when Rowena seeks a private conversation with her mother?
the hired boy, Sam
How is Sam described in the text?
tall, gangly, and somewhat rude
What urgent matter does Rowena want to discuss with her mother?
Henry Piper's impending visit and her desire for him to stay at their house
How does Mrs. Jervis react to Rowena's desire for Henry Piper to stay at their house?
expresses skepticism and rejects the idea
What does Rowena feel is unfair regarding Henry Piper's visits to Coven Tree?
that he only visits twice a year
What does the text depict about Rowena's emotions and desires?
her teenage infatuation with Henry Piper and her desire for a romantic connection with him
What do the dynamics between Rowena, her mother, and Sam reveal?
the complexities of teenage emotions and family relationships
What tension does the text capture?
the tension between Rowena's yearning for romance and her mother's protective instincts
What does Rowena do when Mrs. Jervis rejects the idea of Henry staying at their house?
storms off to her room
What is Rowena's reaction to Sam's mockery of her infatuation with Henry Piper?
feels upset and embarrassed
What does Rowena try to discreetly inform her mother about?
Henry Piper's impending visit and her desire for him to stay at their house
What unconventional activities does Polly suggest for 'well-bred girls'?
tickling trout and learning to throw a baseball
What does Polly shout into in the woods to express her disdain for Agatha and Eunice?
a hollow tree
What does Polly blame for her inability to speak normally after her outburst?
Thaddeus Blinn for granting her a wish
What story does Polly reflect on involving Rowena Jervis talking to trees?
The story of Rowena Jervis
What does the narrative highlight about Polly's struggle?
Her struggle with societal expectations and her desire for genuine connections and personal freedom
What does the story emphasize about Polly's journey?
Her journey toward self-discovery, independence, and the pursuit of genuine connections
What themes are central in the narrative?
Polly's desire for authenticity and her rejection of societal norms
What does Polly yearn for in her dissatisfaction with her current friends?
Genuine connections with others
What does Polly contemplate as a potential solution to her predicament?
A possible plan to address her situation
What does Polly contemplate as a way out of her predicament?
The story of Rowena Jervis talking to trees
What does Polly suddenly reject while at Agatha's house?
The notion of being a 'proper lady'
What does the story portray about Polly's dissatisfaction with her current social circle?
It leads her to seek a more fulfilling and genuine life
Who is Uncle Poot and what special ability does he claim to have?
Uncle Poot is a character in the text who claims to have the dowsing gift, the ability to find water underground using a forked stick.
What is Adam's reaction to Uncle Poot's claim about finding water?
Adam looks curiously at the branch in Uncle Poot’s hands and expresses disbelief, stating that it doesn't seem possible to find water under the ground with just an old stick.
How does Uncle Poot describe the dowsing gift and its rarity?
Uncle Poot describes the dowsing gift as a rare ability, stating that only one person in a thousand, or maybe two thousand, has it the way he does.
What does Uncle Poot imply about the dowsing gift and how it works?
Uncle Poot implies that the dowsing gift is not hard for those who have it, suggesting that it is a natural and innate ability.
What is happening to Henry and how are the characters reacting to it?
Henry is turning into a tree, and the characters are feeling desperate and uncertain about what to do to help him.
What is the characters' dilemma in deciding whether to seek help from others or keep Henry's condition a secret?
The characters are torn between seeking help from others, such as Thaddeus Blinn or Henry's parents, and keeping Henry's condition a secret to avoid unwanted attention and ineffective advice.
How does Sam's understanding of the situation differ from Rowena's, and how does it influence their decision-making?
Sam is more cautious and skeptical, believing that seeking help from others may not be effective due to the nature of the magical situation. Rowena, on the other hand, is more optimistic and willing to seek help from Thaddeus Blinn or Henry's parents.
What does the characters' struggle with Henry's condition reveal about their understanding of magic and their relationships with each other?
The characters' struggle with Henry's condition highlights their limited understanding of magic and their reliance on each other for support and decision-making during difficult times.
Who does Adam's father mention as a person who will help find water?
Uncle Poot
What does Adam face from the townspeople when he hauls water from Spider Crick?
mockery
What happens to one-third of the water on the return trip?
spills due to a mishap
What does the text set the stage for?
a story involving waiting, hardship, and the search for water
Who does Adam meet on the road and responds with strange noises?
Polly Kemp
What does Adam suggest as an alternative to fetching water from Spider Crick?
getting water from Mr. Jenks's farm
What does Rowena mention in class that indicates her distraction?
her 'feet stuck'
What does Adam's mother explain about the necessity of fetching water from Spider Crick?
the necessity of the water
What does Adam's father instruct him to do due to the dry well and cistern?
fetch water from Spider Crick
What is Adam's reaction to the task of fetching water from Spider Crick?
upset
What does Adam's father insist on in terms of getting water?
self-reliance
Who does Sam express his patience and willingness to wait for?
Rowena
Who does Rowena encounter after being dropped off at her house by Mr. Haskill?
Sam
What does Sam spend the day at the school library researching?
spells or legends to reverse Henry's transformation
Who does Sam call to handle Henry's selling until he recovers?
the Neverfail Company
How long do they have before anyone comes looking for Henry?
a few days
What does Rowena keep a secret from her parents?
Henry's condition
What does Rowena realize about the support she receives from Sam?
She realizes the support she receives from Sam and plans to express her gratitude
What does Sam find stories of while researching at the school library?
people turning into plants, but nothing useful
What does Rowena desperately want to find a way to do?
turn Henry back into a human
Who is turning into a tree?
Henry
Who tells Ruth about water on the Fiske farm, believed to be magical?
Minnie
Who drops Rowena off at her house?
Mr. Haskill
What does Rowena feel foolish for?
falling for Henry Piper's stories about his travels
Who pretends to be Henry Piper and tells Rowena about far-off places?
Sam
What does Sam reveal about Henry Piper's travels?
He has never been to any of the places he talks about
What did Sam find in a leather case owned by Henry Piper?
Magazines containing stories about the places he claimed to have visited
How does Rowena feel after finding out about Henry's lies?
Betrayed and foolish for believing Henry's lies
What does Sam try to do to console Rowena?
Tells her that Henry is paying a price for his lies
What does Rowena want to do to undo the spell on Henry?
Find a way to undo the spell that turned Henry into a tree
Who gave Rowena one wish?
Thaddeus Blinn
What does Rowena become excited about?
Realizing she knows how to turn Henry back into a man
What does Rowena rush off to do?
Carry out her plan to turn Henry back into a man
How does Sam indicate his support for Rowena's plan?
Smiles at Rowena as she leaves
How does the text end?
With the implication that Rowena will try to use her wish to turn Henry back into a man
What does Rowena wish for regarding Henry's fate, and how does she feel about missing the party?
Rowena wishes for Henry to dry up and blow away, and she laments missing the party to Sam.
What does Sam offer to do while Rowena attends the party, and what warning does he give?
Sam offers to stay with Henry while Rowena attends the party, warning that he will silence Henry if he complains too much.
What does Henry reveal about his previous behavior towards Rowena, and why did he act that way?
Henry reveals that he didn't mean the nice things he said to Rowena and that he only said them to sell machinery to her father.
What does Rowena's mother question her about, and what event does she remind her about?
Rowena's mother questions her about spending time in the grove of trees and reminds her about the Haskills' party that evening.
What does Sam advise Rowena to focus on, and why?
Sam advises Rowena to focus on finding a way to remove the spell to get rid of Henry.
What does Rowena worry about in regards to Henry, and where is he situated?
Rowena worries that she might have to spend the rest of her life caring for Henry, who is now rooted in her backyard.
What does Sam find and what does Henry warn him about regarding it?
Sam finds a leather case in the weeds which Henry warns him not to open.
How does Sam attempt to make Henry feel better, and what does he advise Rowena to do?
Sam sprinkles tree-growing powder around Henry's feet and pours water over his shoes to make him feel better. He also advises Rowena to focus on finding a way to remove the spell to get rid of Henry.
What action does Rowena start, and how does Henry respond?
Rowena starts pulling the weeds around Henry, who starts giving her orders and criticizing her efforts.
What does Rowena learn about her wish, and what does she need to do to help Henry?
Rowena is told that she made a wish on a card taken from Thaddeus Blinn, and now she must find a way to release Henry from the spell.
What does Rowena's mother remind her about, and what event is she concerned about missing?
Rowena's mother reminds her about the Haskills' party that evening, and she is concerned about missing the event.
What does Rowena feel guilty about at the party, and what does she eavesdrop on during the event?
Rowena feels guilty for leaving Sam to take her place with Henry, and she eavesdrops on a conversation about Adam Fiske.
What task does Pa plan to do and why?
Pa plans to jab more holes to water all the crops because the water from the initial holes kept spouting and filled all the tubs and pots on the place.
What was the impact of the continuous water supply on the crops and the household?
All the crops were given a good drink and every tub and pot on the place was filled with water. The runoff from the gutters filled the big iron cistern in the cellar, and the water kept gushing forth as strong as ever, providing a continuous supply.
How did the characters react to the continuous supply of water?
Pa found the sound of the water better than the sweetest music and planned on sleeping like a log that night, while Adam smiled a sleepy smile, feeling content with the situation.
What did Adam dream about that night?
Adam had a dream that night, but the text does not specify the content of the dream.
What is the significance of the 'JUG-A-RUM' and the red spot on the card in the text?
The 'JUG-A-RUM' and the red spot on the card are important elements in the story as they are linked to the ability to make wishes and have them granted.
What does the narrator wish for using the card, and why does this wish have a significant impact on the other characters?
The narrator wishes for all three young characters' wishes to be canceled out. This wish has a significant impact because it challenges the power and consequences of the wishes previously made.
How does the use of the card and the act of making a wish contribute to the development of the plot and the characters' motivations in the story?
The use of the card and the act of making a wish contribute to the development of the plot by creating tension and revealing the characters' desires and intentions. The wishes drive the characters' actions and interactions, leading to unexpected consequences.
In the story, what is the makeshift raft made from, and what is its purpose?
The makeshift raft is made from wooden beams, barrels, cords, baling wire, and ropes. Its purpose is to rescue the Fiskes' belongings from the rising water.
What does Adam confess to Pa, and how does Pa respond?
Adam confesses to Pa that he made a wish at the Church Social, leading to the magical events. Pa responds calmly, acknowledging the magic and expressing disbelief at the situation.
What are the main events that the story revolves around?
The story revolves around a flood, the Fiskes' effort to save their belongings, and Adam's confession about a magical wish.
What do the villagers offer, and what choice do the Fiskes make?
The villagers offer help and food, but the Fiskes choose to camp out at the edge of the lake.
- What challenges does Adam and his family face due to the flooding on their farm?
Adam and his family face challenges such as a leaking roof, flooded barn, damaged crops, potential loss of crops, concern for safety, and exhaustion for Adam's father.
- How does the community react to the flooding situation at Adam's farm?
The community shows concern and curiosity, with people from town coming to see the situation.
- What is the potential outcome for Adam's family if the water doesn't recede?
The family may have to leave the farm if the water doesn't recede.
- How does Adam's father react to the worsening situation caused by the flooding?
Adam's father tries to stay optimistic, but the situation continues to worsen, causing worry and exhaustion.
- What does the flooding pose a serious threat to for Adam's family?
The flooding presents a serious threat to the family's livelihood and safety.
- What are Adam and his father doing to salvage items in the flooded barn?
Adam and his father work to save dry grain and move tools to higher ground in the barn.
- How does Adam observe the impact of the flooding on his family?
The situation is causing worry and exhaustion for Adam's father, indicating the impact on the family.
- What is the concern expressed by Adam's father regarding the farm?
Adam's father worries that the farm may end up submerged in water, expressing concern for the farm's safety.
- What is the initial discovery that Adam makes upon waking up?
Adam wakes up to find his room soaked due to a leaking roof.
- How is the flooding affecting the farm's infrastructure?
The aftermath of heavy rain includes a flooded barn and damaged crops, affecting the farm's infrastructure.
- What actions are Adam and his family taking to mitigate the impact of the flooding?
Adam and his father are working to save dry grain, move tools to higher ground in the barn, and trying to stay optimistic despite the challenges.
- What do the family's observations and concerns convey about the severity of the flooding situation?
The family's observations and concerns convey the severity of the flooding situation, including potential loss of crops and the prospect of leaving their farm.
Who offers to cap the spouts of mysterious spouting water on the farm?
Sven Hensen
What happens when Sven attempts to cap a spout with a washtub?
He gets lifted into the air by the force of the water, showing the spouts' uncontrollable nature
What is the impending consequence of the spouts bringing water closer to the family's home?
Impending loss of their farm
What does Ma insist on doing despite the worsening conditions?
Cooking breakfast
What does Pa indicate when he calls out to the family to prepare for something?
A sense of urgency and possibly a plan to deal with the situation
What does Adam recall about a wish he made at a Church Social?
His wish for water all over the farm
Who dismisses Adam's wish as frivolous?
His mother
What does the family watch helplessly as the spouts continue to do?
Bring water closer to their home
What condition is the house in the next morning?
Surrounded by water, the barn is flooded, and the roof is leaking
What does the family prepare to do as a result of the worsening conditions?
Move out
What does the text depict about Ma's character in the face of adversity?
Her stubbornness, as she insists on cooking breakfast despite the worsening conditions
How does the situation with the spouting water affect the family's future?
It leads to the impending loss of their farm
What are the unintended negative consequences of the wishes made by Polly Kemp, Rowena Jervis, and Adam Fiske after accepting cards from Thaddeus Blinn in 'Wish Giver'?
Polly is unable to speak harshly without experiencing physical discomfort, Rowena sees the face of a terrified man in a tree, and Adam's family is left homeless due to flooding.
Who do the three troubled characters seek help from with their predicaments, and what does the storyteller realize about the Wish Giver's power in 'Wish Giver'?
The three characters seek help from Stew Meat, the storyteller. Stew Meat realizes that the Wish Giver, Thaddeus Blinn, has the power to make dreams come true, but on his own terms, and regrets not taking Blinn seriously earlier.
What do the three characters urge Stew Meat to do in an attempt to undo the negative effects of their previous wishes in 'Wish Giver'?
The three characters urge Stew Meat to use the card with the red spot, given to him by Thaddeus Blinn, to reverse the unintended consequences of their wishes.
What specific wishes do Rowena, Adam, and Polly ask Stew Meat to make on their behalf in 'Wish Giver'?
Rowena asks Stew Meat to wish for Henry Piper to become a man again, while Adam wants the pond on his farm to disappear, and Polly expresses frustration at Rowena's request.
Who does Stew Meat realize is the only way for the three characters to escape the troubles caused by their wishes in 'Wish Giver'?
Stew Meat realizes that he is the only way for the three characters to escape the troubles caused by their wishes.
How does the epilogue of 'Wish Giver' conclude?
The epilogue ends with the characters seeking Stew Meat's help and Stew Meat contemplating the power of the Wish Giver and the consequences of making wishes.
Study Notes
The Wish Giver Summary
- Thaddeus Blinn offers four young people a wish for fifty cents each
- Each person receives a card with a red spot and is told it grants a single wish
- The group doubts Blinn's claims, feeling cheated and skeptical
- Blinn insists that the cards can bring anything desired, but only one wish per card
- Blinn explains that he craves respect and recognition, not money
- The group exits the tent, still doubting the validity of the wish cards
- Blinn warns them to be careful with their wishes
- Blinn claims he will never return to the same place
- The group disperses, and the narrator dismisses Blinn as a fraud
- The narrator reflects on the story Blinn told and his initial belief in it
- The group members go their separate ways, and the narrator puts the card in a cash register
- The narrator concludes that Blinn was a crafty humbug, but the story was convincing to the others
Polly's Unusual Invitation and Politeness
- Polly gets invited to a party at Miss Agatha Benthorn's house with Eunice Ingersoll
- Mrs. Kemp, Polly's mother, is skeptical about Agatha and Eunice
- Agatha and Eunice behave oddly, making Polly suspicious
- Mrs. Benthorn initially shows disdain towards Polly due to a past incident
- Polly apologizes sincerely, surprising Mrs. Benthorn with her politeness
- Agatha and Eunice plan to provoke Polly, but she remains composed
- Agatha tries to belittle Polly's clothes, but Polly responds gracefully
- Polly talks about her simple activities, contrasting with Agatha and Eunice's refined pursuits
- Agatha and Eunice are surprised by Polly's interests
- Polly mentions learning how to fish from Lenora Wickstaff
- Agatha and Eunice are taken aback by Polly's different perspective
- Polly's unexpected politeness and interests challenge Agatha and Eunice's assumptions
Polly's Revelation and Decision
- Polly, Agatha, and Eunice discuss activities for "well-bred girls," with Polly suggesting unconventional activities like tickling trout and learning to throw a baseball.
- Polly realizes her dissatisfaction with her current friends and yearns for genuine connections with others.
- Polly abruptly leaves Agatha's house, rejecting the notion of being a "proper lady."
- Polly expresses her disdain for Agatha and Eunice by shouting into a hollow tree in the woods.
- Despite feeling happier momentarily, Polly becomes distressed about her inability to speak normally due to her outburst, blaming Thaddeus Blinn for granting her a wish.
- Polly reflects on the story of Rowena Jervis talking to trees and considers if there is a way out of her predicament.
- Polly contemplates a potential solution and gets to her feet, suggesting a possible plan to address her situation.
- The story portrays Polly's struggle with societal expectations and her desire for genuine connections and personal freedom.
- The narrative highlights Polly's internal conflict and her longing for authenticity and meaningful relationships.
- Polly's dissatisfaction with her current social circle leads her to seek a more fulfilling and genuine life.
- The story emphasizes Polly's journey toward self-discovery, independence, and the pursuit of genuine connections.
- Polly's desire for authenticity and her rejection of societal norms are central themes in the narrative.
The Wish and its Consequences
- Rowena is told that she made a wish on a card taken from Thaddeus Blinn, and now she must find a way to release Henry from the spell.
- Sam finds a leather case in the weeds which Henry warns him not to open, but Sam takes it and leaves to put it in the barn.
- Rowena starts pulling the weeds around Henry, who starts giving her orders and criticizing her efforts.
- Henry reveals that he didn't mean the nice things he said to Rowena and that he only said them to sell machinery to her father.
- Sam sprinkles tree-growing powder around Henry's feet and pours water over his shoes to make him feel better.
- Sam advises Rowena to focus on finding a way to remove the spell to get rid of Henry.
- Rowena worries that she might have to spend the rest of her life caring for Henry, who is now rooted in her backyard.
- Rowena's mother questions her about spending time in the grove of trees and reminds her about the Haskills' party that evening.
- Rowena wishes for Henry to dry up and blow away, and laments missing the party to Sam.
- Sam offers to stay with Henry while Rowena attends the party, warning that he will silence Henry if he complains too much.
- At the party, Rowena feels guilty for leaving Sam to take her place with Henry, and eavesdrops on a conversation about Adam Fiske.
- Rowena is unable to enjoy the party and feels conflicted about leaving Sam with Henry.
"Wish Giver" Epilogue Summary
- The characters Polly Kemp, Rowena Jervis, and Adam Fiske are in deep trouble after accepting cards from Thaddeus Blinn, which resulted in their wishes coming true in unexpected and negative ways.
- Polly is unable to speak harshly without experiencing physical discomfort, Rowena sees the face of a terrified man in a tree, and Adam's family is left homeless due to flooding.
- Stew Meat, the storyteller, recounts an encounter with the three troubled individuals at his store after hours, where they seek his help with their predicaments.
- Stew Meat realizes that the Wish Giver, Thaddeus Blinn, has the power to make dreams come true, but on his own terms, and regrets not taking Blinn seriously earlier.
- The three characters plead with Stew Meat to use the card with the red spot, given to him by Thaddeus Blinn, to reverse the unintended consequences of their wishes.
- Rowena asks Stew Meat to wish for Henry Piper to become a man again, while Adam wants the pond on his farm to disappear, and Polly expresses frustration at Rowena's request.
- Stew Meat realizes that he is the only way for the three characters to escape the troubles caused by their wishes and retrieves the card from the cash register.
- The three characters urge Stew Meat to make the wishes on their behalf in an attempt to undo the negative effects of their previous wishes.
- The epilogue ends with the characters seeking Stew Meat's help and Stew Meat contemplating the power of the Wish Giver and the consequences of making wishes.
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