Duke Chapter 10

Summary

In this chapter set in 1944, Hobie and his sister June receive letters from their father, who is away at war. June solves a clever riddle about the alphabet, while Hobie reads about his father's pride in his model-making skills. Hobie also recalls letters from Duke, a war dog, detailing his adventures. As the class prepares for Memorial Day, Hobie shares about Duke’s service, but later realizes with dread that Duke may be sent to fight in the Pacific. Overcome with guilt, Hobie vows to bring his dog home safely.

Takeaways

• 📬 A bunch of letters from Hobie, June, and Mom arrive after weeks of no mail from Dad.
• 📝 Junebug impressively solves a riddle her dad posed about the number of letters in 'the alphabet.'
• 🎖️ Hobie reads a letter from his dad, expressing pride in Hobie’s model-building skills and suggesting he help with chores.
• 🐶 Hobie shares about his dog, Duke, being lent to the army's 'Dogs for Defense' program, and Duke’s heroic deeds in training.
• 🐕‍🦺 Hobie contemplates using Duke's story for the school Memorial Day program as a unique tribute to war dogs.
• 📚 At school, students present different tributes to the war effort, from photos of soldiers to knitting and scrapbooks.
• 😢 Doreen, a quiet classmate, remembers Tomiko, a Japanese student who was sent to internment camps, leading to a reflective moment in class.
• 🗣️ Hobie gives a presentation on dogs in the military, particularly highlighting his dog Duke's role in the Marines.
• 🌍 Hobie grows increasingly concerned when he learns that Marines sent to California, like Duke, might be heading to the Pacific war zones.
• 💔 Hobie is filled with guilt and fear over sending Duke to the military, worrying about his safety and feeling like a bad friend.

Q & A

What is the significance of the date May 29th, 1944, in the story?

May 29th, 1944, marks the day when a bunch of letters from Hobie’s father and other family members arrive after weeks without mail. This day becomes a pivotal moment for the characters in the story, particularly for Hobie and his sister June.

What riddle does Hobie’s father send to June, and how does she solve it?

Hobie’s father asks June how many letters are in 'the alphabet'. June initially believes the answer is 26, but after looking at the words 'the alphabet' on paper, she realizes that her father was referring to the number of letters in the phrase 'the alphabet', which is 11.

What does Hobie’s father praise him for in his letter?

Hobie’s father praises him for building a spotter model, mentioning that his Bombardier was impressed since it was mostly high school kids making them. He also encourages Hobie to help with chores when Uncle Trigg returns from Alaska.

How does Hobie feel about his father’s praise in the letter?

Hobie feels proud and accomplished when his father acknowledges his effort in building the model and encourages him to take on more responsibility at home, despite being younger than others who were allowed to work on the boat 'Lilybeth'.

What joke does Hobie’s father include in his letter, and how does Hobie react?

Hobie’s father includes a joke: 'What happens when it rains cats and dogs? You might step in a poodle.' Hobie finds the joke 'pretty lame' but notes that Mrs. Lee would probably enjoy it.

What is the significance of Duke, Hobie’s dog, in the story?

Duke is Hobie’s German Shepherd who has been loaned to the Marines through the 'Dogs for Defense' program. Duke’s military service plays a key role in Hobie’s personal growth, as Hobie struggles with guilt and pride over sending his dog into a dangerous situation.

How does Hobie’s class participate in the Memorial Day program?

During the Memorial Day program, Hobie’s classmates bring in pictures of family members serving in the war or share personal items related to their loved ones. Hobie presents a report on war dogs and talks about Duke’s role in the military.

Why does Mitch mock Max during the Memorial Day program?

Mitch mocks Max because he doesn’t believe Max’s contribution—a belt buckle made from coconut shell by his cousin who served in the Navy—holds much value compared to other war-related items. Max’s cousin saved two buddies during the Pearl Harbor attack, but Mitch’s dismissive attitude creates tension.

What emotional moment occurs in the classroom when Doreen speaks up?

Doreen expresses her sadness by saying she misses Tomiko, a Japanese-American classmate who was sent away to an internment camp. This creates a somber mood as other students remember Tomiko’s contributions, like her origami and jump-roping skills.

What is Hobie’s emotional conflict by the end of the chapter?

By the end of the chapter, Hobie feels a mix of guilt and responsibility for sending Duke to the Marines. After realizing that Duke might be sent to the Pacific to fight in the war, Hobie regrets his decision and becomes determined to get his dog back safely.