Chapter 1
As the novel begins, where is Luke and what is he doing?
In the backyard hoeing.
What does the author mean "there was a law against Luke"?
he is a third child which is not allowed
Name two ways Luke's life had already changed?
The woods are gone and he can’t go outside; he can’t go into a room with an uncovered window; he can’t look outside; he saw bulldozers and other vehicles everywhere
Why did Mother ask Luke to eat at the bottom of the stairs instead of at the table with the family?
with so many new people outside they might see through the shades
Why does Luke decide to stop listening to his family's conversation at mealtime?
His mother spoke too softly for him to hear easily and his brothers made nasty comments under their breath. He felt uncomfortable
According to Dad, why did they have to sell the woods?
the government wanted it
Name two things Luke's brothers were allowed to do that Luke could not.
ride in the backfield and into town, play in the front yard and kick the ball into the road, watch TV
What was the "Population Police" joke Mark had been playing on Luke?
He thought it was funny to scare Luke by making him think the Population Police were there.
How did the shades being down in the house arouse suspicion in the construction workers outside?
One of them asked Dad why they had the shades down. It was summer, and too hot to keep windows closed.
Explain how the letter from the Department of Human Habitation caused Father so much anxiety.
He knew it couldn’t be anything but bad news. The letter told them they needed to get rid of the hogs
What is mother's motive for hiding Luke's plate in the cupboard?
so if someone should come in, his presence would not be given away
What were some disadvantages to being the first or second child?
According to his brothers, the disadvantages were that they had to do chores, that teachers yelled at them, and that other boys couldn’t be trusted.
What are some of the things Luke can see when he looks out of the vents in his room?
The road, cornfield, machinery, people of all shapes and sizes and clothing types, workers, toppled trees
What is a combine?
a machine used in farming that cuts, threshes, and clears
What is the meaning of mother saying that the pigs are their bread and butter?
The expression “bread and butter” means “this is how we pay our bills and feed ourselves.” Without the hogs, she was worried where their income would come from.
What does skittish mean?
nervous
What were two of the advantages Luke had over his brothers?
Luke had the advantage of having the first piece of apple pie, he held new pigs first, mom cradled and hugged him at bedtime, and he heard bedtime stories.
Why does Luke find no comfort in his mother saying that things could be worse?
He wonders if things are actually going to get worse. He’s not optimistic.
What does hulking mean?
massive, gigantic, huge
What does crossroads mean?
where two roads cross
What does savor mean?
fully enjoy
What is the definition of beckon?
attract because of an inviting or enticing appearance
What does beseech mean?
plead or beg
What does resolute mean?
firm determination
What does painstakingly mean?
done with great care