The end is near

At the end of the story, Carl Ray decides to return to West Virginia.  Do you support his decision?  What decision would you have made?  Be sure to discuss Mr Furtz's gift to Carl Ray in your answer.  Give textual evidence to support your answer.

Robert Frost poem

Reread Mary Lou's description on page 119 of her classroom discussion about the meaning of the Robert Frost poem.  Based on the information in Mary Lou's journal entry, what do you think the woods in the poem represent?  Be sure to answer in complete sentences, and provide textual evidence to support your answer.

Mary Lou's Muse

In her July 2nd journal entry, Mary Lou writes, "My muse has abandoned me."  What do you think she means by this?  Be sure to include what you learned about muses on page 61 in your answer.  Also make sure you write in complete sentences, and provide textual evidence.

Carl Ray

What does Carl Ray receive from Mr. Furtz?  Why is Carl Ray reluctant to tell his family n West Virginia about this gift?  Answer in complete sentences, and be sure to provide textual evidence.

Mary Lou the writer

In what ways does Mary Lou grow as a writer over the course of the summer?  What different types of writing elements does she use in her journals?  Answer in complete sentences, and be sure to provide textual evidence for your answers.

Mary Lou and her words

Name three words Mary Lou is told she uses too often.  How does she find new words to replace these old words? Provide textual evidence to back up your answer.  Remember to write in complete sentences.

Describe Mary Lou's relationship with Alex Cheevey.  What is their relationship like at the start of the novel?  How does it change? Why?  Cite textual evidence.  What do you imagine their relationship is like after the book ends?