The Show Will Go On

(Ch 25&26)
While the rest of the Applewhites (as well as Jack) were fretting over the cancellation of the show, ED found a way for it to actually go on, purple eared 'Hans' and all. ED's creatively - while maybe not what we would normally consider 'artistic' - has saved the day.

It seems likely now that the show will actually be performed. What will the complications be? Any final predictions? Any loose ends that you would like to see tied up?

The Show Must Go On!

(CH 23&24)
The signs are all indicating that the show will be canceled when Randolph notifies Mrs. Montrose that Priscilla will not have a shrieking part in the play. However, Chapter 24 ends with Jake convinced that the show will not die. His evidence? The Passion that the Applewhites have demostrated toward making this production successful make him beleive that they will find some way to make it happen.

What is the difference between 'liking' something and having a 'passion' for something? Can you state a personal example?

Spicing things up

(Ch20-22)
So the fasting Guru turns out to me a great cook! I must say that I got rather hungry reading these chapters. (I will have to remember that Grape Koolaid cuts the heat trick.)

It is becoming clear that Jake may end up being the most normal person living on Wit's End.

I think it is also clear that ED is one of the smartest. I liked the way she quickly saved the Play from being canceled. She must be enjoying the work. Everyone is complaining about what they have to do to support Randolph but none of them want it canceled. What are their reasons?

These chapters seemed to be setting up something happening when as the girls 'audition' proceeds. Any prediction?

Epiphany

(Ch 18 & 19)
In today's reading, ED experiences an epiphany. What is it? (Yes - start by looking up the word.)

At the beginning of Chapter 18 it says that Jake had 'finished gelling his hair' as he looks in the mirror to figure out if he can pass for 17. I was unclear if 'gelling his hair' meant he is still sporting the Mohawk. What do you think?

The transformation (dare I say metamorphosis) of Jake continues. What is happening with him? Is it believable? What would this suggest was at the root of his previous shocking behaviour?

Ego

The word that came to mind as I read Chapters 16 & 17 was ‘Ego’. It is a word normally used in a negative way. I found the following definition on Answers.com (only one of 3 definitions is shown):
a. An exaggerated sense of self-importance; conceit.
b. Appropriate pride in oneself; self-esteem.

The meaning (a) was the one I was thinking about. It is easy to see how Randolph, Sybil, Cordellia, Archie and Lucille could be labeled as having big Ego’s. I would say that Zedediah could also be said to have a ego – but from the meaning (b).

But what about ED and Jake? I suggest that Jake came to the creative school with an (a) Ego and events are beginning to redefine his Ego as (b). Can you site events in Chapter 16&17 that would support this?

Also, I think the Author is using Winston as a symbol for something else going on in the story. Do you see a connection?

Skunked Dog

(CH 13-15)
I laughed out loud when Zebediah asked ED (skipping the periods in E.D. from here on out) "Who Skunked your dog?"

(Can you think of any similar metaphors? i.e. My dad used to ask - "What got your underwear in a bundle?")

Many things are bothering ED. List them, with the one you think is bothering her the most at the top. Justify item #1.

Nice Hairdoo

(Ch 11-12)
I enjoyed the images of Chapter 11, especially what must have been the look on Jake and E.D.s face when they reentered the school room. Jake had thought he have been pretty clever with Destiny but was proven very wrong!

When reading Chapter 12 I was reminded of the old philosophical question: "If a tree falls in the forest and nobody hears it, did it make a sound?"

Explain how this question is pertinent (meaning?) to Chapter 10.

Jack's destiny?

(Ch 8-10) If Jack could get his mind off of the miserable food offerings, he could have learned a lot about the various Applewhites at dinner. What could he have learned about each family member? (either list each person or update the character tree).

I am starting to like Destiny. We have not definitively learned the source of his name. Any guesses?

(What do you think a bowl of Cheerios with Goat milk would taste like?)

Bad Kid

Chapter 6 starts to bring a little depth to the character of Jake Semple. He has not said much so far, and what he has said has been rather 'Paulie'ish. In Chapter 6 we learn that he may be a little more contemplative (meaning?) then we would have thought from earlier Chapters.

What evidence do we see in Chapter 6 that would support and not support labeling Jake a 'bad kid'?

Chapter 7 brings some other characters to life a little. There seems be some significant inter-family tensions. Can you give some examples?