Fish In A Tree- ch. 5 & 6

Summary

In 'Fish in a Tree' by Linda Mullaly Hunt, Ally's brother Travis shares his successful day restoring vintage machines, revealing dreams of owning a restoration business. Despite Ally's struggles with school and feeling misunderstood, she finds solace in her family's support and shared passion for coins. A poignant encounter at a pawn shop highlights their bond and Travis's wisdom on overcoming low expectations, offering Ally a valuable life lesson.

Takeaways

• 👫 The story revolves around the protagonist and her brother Travis, highlighting their close relationship and shared interests.
• 💰 Travis has a successful day, which he refers to as a 'silver dollar day', and he shares his excitement about his work in restoration with his sister.
• 🏭 The protagonist's father has been deployed, and her grandfather has passed away, creating a sense of loss and longing for the past.
• 🛠️ Travis is passionate about his work at the garage, learning various skills and dreaming of opening his own restoration business.
• 🚗 Travis plans to buy a classic car and is saving up for a neon sign for his future business, showing his ambition and determination.
• 🎨 The protagonist is portrayed as a gifted artist with a love for drawing, particularly her pet llama named Butch Cassidy.
• 🎂 The protagonist's mother expresses concern about her behavior at a party on her 95th birthday, indicating a strained relationship.
• 🏫 The protagonist struggles with school and feels misunderstood by her peers and her mother, who wants her to focus more on academics.
• 🤔 The protagonist's mother believes her daughter is capable of more but is not living up to her potential, leading to a recurring argument about her school performance.
• 🏦 Travis and the protagonist visit a pawn shop, where they engage in a negotiation for coins, showcasing Travis's knowledge and negotiation skills.
• 🔍 The story emphasizes the importance of self-worth and not letting others' low expectations define you, as illustrated by Travis's advice to the protagonist.

Q & A

What does the phrase 'silver dollar day' signify in the script?

In the script, 'silver dollar day' is a metaphor used by the characters to describe a good day, possibly in reference to the value or success of the day's events or activities.

How does the relationship between Ally and Travis appear to be?

Ally and Travis have a close and supportive relationship. Travis is portrayed as a caring older brother who shares his excitement and achievements with Ally, and Ally appreciates his presence and efforts.

What is Travis's hobby or interest as depicted in the script?

Travis is interested in restoring and collecting old items, particularly vintage coin-operated machines like the Coke machine and the gumball machine mentioned in the script.

What is the significance of the 'wooden nickel' in the context of the script?

The 'wooden nickel' is used in contrast to the 'silver dollar' to represent a day that was not as successful or enjoyable, indicating a bad day or a day with difficulties.

How does Ally's mother perceive her daughter's behavior at school?

Ally's mother is concerned about her daughter's behavior, believing that Ally is too smart for the antics she performs at school. She wants Ally to take her education more seriously and work harder.

What does Ally's mother want for her future that is different from her own?

Ally's mother wants her to have a better future than working long hours for a few tips, as she does. She believes Ally is smart and talented and should aim higher than what she herself has achieved.

What is the significance of the year '1933' in the script?

The year '1933' is significant because it is the year both the Walking Liberty Half Dollar and the Mercury Dime coins were minted, and it is also the year Grandpa was born, making these coins particularly special for Travis and Ally.

What lesson does Travis teach Ally about dealing with people who underestimate you?

Travis teaches Ally that when people have low expectations of you, you can use it to your advantage, implying that one can surprise them or negotiate better deals by not meeting their low expectations.

Why does the pawn shop man try to sell Travis a penny dipped in nitric acid?

The pawn shop man attempts to sell the penny because he believes its altered state makes it valuable, but Travis recognizes this as a fraudulent attempt to overcharge for a coin with an artificial flaw.

How does Ally feel about her school and social situation?

Ally feels misunderstood and alienated at school, believing that her peers hate her and that she is too smart for the environment. She struggles with the pressure to conform and perform academically.

What is the significance of the pet llama named Butch Cassidy in the script?

Butch Cassidy, the pet llama, serves as a creative outlet for Ally, allowing her to express herself through drawing. The name and the cowboy attire she imagines for the llama reflect her desire for a different, more adventurous life.