20 Questions
Who set out on her horse for the wood at the edge of the village of Treegap?
Mae Tuck
Who lost her patience and decided to think about running away?
Winnie Foster
What appeared at the Fosters' gate at sunset?
A stranger
What are the first week of August known as?
The dog days
What is the hub of the wheel in the text?
The wood
What happens at night during the strange and breathless days?
There is lightning but no thunder
Who is Mae going to meet in the wood?
Her sons
What does Tuck say about Mae going to meet the boys?
He tells her not to go
What is the one pretty thing Mae owns that she never goes anywhere without?
A music box
What does Mae do before putting on her blue straw hat?
She brushes her hair
How long have Mae and her family looked exactly the same?
87 years
What does Tuck say about the dream he was having?
It was a good dream
What does Mae say about Tuck's dream?
It's no use having that dream
What does Tuck say about Mae's dream?
It's a pointless dream
According to the passage, why did the road veer sharply when it reached the shadows of the first trees?
It had reason to think where it was going
What is the significance of the first house mentioned in the passage?
It is surrounded by a capable iron fence
Why did the people follow the road around the wood instead of through it?
There was no road through the wood
According to the passage, what is the ownership of land compared to?
A thin crust under which worms have never heard of trespassing
Why was the wood isolated according to the passage?
The cows made their road through the wood
What would have been a disaster if the people had noticed the little spring in the wood?
The earth would have trembled on its axis
Study Notes
Key Characters and Actions
- Mae set out on her horse for the wood at the edge of the village of Treegap.
- Mae lost her patience and contemplated running away from her circumstances.
Notable Events
- At sunset, a mysterious figure appeared at the Fosters' gate, marking a significant moment in the narrative.
- The first week of August is known for its strange and breathless days, suggesting an unusual atmosphere.
Symbolism and Themes
- The hub of the wheel symbolizes a central point or pivotal theme within the story, likely related to the family's experiences.
- At night, during the strange days, peculiar events transpire, contributing to the story's tension and intrigue.
Relationships and Meetings
- Mae is planning to meet Tuck in the wood, indicating the importance of her connection with him.
- Tuck expresses concern about Mae visiting the boys, hinting at underlying tensions or dangers.
Personal Belongings
- The one pretty thing Mae treasures and possesses at all times is her blue straw hat, showcasing her attachment to personal items.
Routine and Reflection
- Before donning her blue straw hat, Mae engages in a routine or ritual, reflecting her character's personality and habits.
Time and Change
- Mae and her family have remained unchanged for a significant amount of time, underscoring the theme of stagnation versus the passage of time.
Dreams and Aspirations
- Tuck shares that he was having a dream, indicating his inner thoughts and desires.
- Mae provides her own viewpoint on Tuck's dream, reflecting their close bond and shared experiences.
- Tuck comments on Mae's dream, which might signify their mutual understanding or contrasting perspectives.
Landscape and Environment
- The road veers sharply when entering the shadows of the first trees, suggesting a transition into mystery or peril.
- The significance of the first house highlighted in the passage likely emphasizes the boundary between familiarity and the unknown.
Human Behavior and Nature
- People tend to follow the road around the wood rather than through it, illustrating human instinct to avoid danger or the unknown.
- The ownership of land is compared to an abstract concept, showcasing the complexities of property and personal ties to the environment.
Isolation and Consequences
- The wood is described as isolated, contributing to its enigmatic nature and the story's tension.
- If the locals had discovered the little spring in the wood, it would have led to disastrous outcomes, hinting at the wood's hidden significance.
Test your knowledge of the prologue of "Tuck Everlasting" by Natalie Babbit with this quiz. Explore the vivid descriptions and themes of the first week of August as you answer questions about this captivating opening to the novel.
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