Duke Chapter 14

Summary

In this chapter, Hobie works with his Uncle Trig on restoring an anchor, symbolizing both physical labor and emotional challenges during wartime. Meanwhile, Hobie and his friend Max struggle with finding a home for Pepper, a stray dog. Their dilemma is interrupted when Hobie’s family receives a telegram, revealing that his father has been captured as a prisoner of war. The news brings tension, heartache, and a sense of responsibility to Hobie, who now feels the weight of being the 'man of the house' as his family navigates this difficult time.

Takeaways

• 🔧 Hobie learns how to remove rust from an anchor under Uncle Trig's guidance, showing the importance of hard work and learning new skills.
• 🥪 Uncle Trig and Hobie take a lunch break, enjoying sandwiches made by Ellen, adding a moment of camaraderie during their work.
• 🐶 Hobie checks in on Max and Pepper, the dog Max found, who is being trained but still needs a permanent home.
• 💭 Hobie and Max worry about Pepper's future, as they only have one more week before she must go to the pound.
• 🚲 Hobie witnesses a Western Union telegram messenger delivering a message to his family, bringing ominous news.
• 💔 Hobie and his mother receive news that Hobie's father, Second Lieutenant Palmer Hanson, is a prisoner of war in Germany.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Hobie, his mom, and his sister June gather together for emotional support after hearing the difficult news.
• 🎲 In an effort to lift their spirits, Hobie’s family plays a game of Monopoly together, but it’s clear everyone is distracted.
• 🙏 Aunt Ellen suggests they can send a care package to Hobie’s father and encourages them to pray for his safety.
• 💡 Hobie gets an idea: he plans to try signing Pepper up for the Marines, as he believes she could be useful there and it might allow him to bring back his own dog, Duke.

Q & A

What task was Hobie given by Uncle Trig at the beginning of the chapter?

Hobie was given the task of removing rust from an anchor using a steel brush and sandpaper while Uncle Trig worked on the engine.

How did Hobie feel about the task of removing rust from the anchor?

Hobie found the task overwhelming and tiring, as he wasn't sure he could finish it and it required a lot of effort. He joked about growing muscles from scraping off the rust.

What news did Hobie receive via telegram, and how did it affect him?

Hobie received a telegram stating that his father, Second Lieutenant Palmer B. Hanson, was a prisoner of war held by the German government. This news shocked Hobie, leaving him with many questions and a deep sense of worry for his father's safety.

What did Hobie and Max do for the dog, Pepper, and what was their concern regarding her future?

Hobie and Max gave Pepper a bath and shampooed her. Their concern was that if no one claimed her within a week, she would be sent to the pound, where she might only stay for a short period before it was 'all over.'

What was Uncle Trig's response to the news about Hobie’s father being a prisoner of war?

Uncle Trig was supportive and tried to reassure the family by saying that Hobie's father was tough and would be fine, trying to provide comfort in a difficult time.

How did Hobie and his family react to the telegram about his father?

The family was devastated. Hobie’s mother collapsed on the porch swing, unable to speak, and Hobie himself was in shock, feeling as though he couldn’t move. They eventually huddled together for comfort.

What role did Aunt Ellen play in helping the family cope after receiving the telegram?

Aunt Ellen provided emotional support by taking over kitchen duties and making dinner. She also helped by contacting the Red Cross to find out more about Hobie’s father and encouraged the family to pray and assemble a care package for him.

Why was Hobie frustrated despite trying to be a good 'home front soldier' during the war?

Hobie was frustrated because, despite doing everything right—participating in war efforts, planting a Victory Garden, and even giving his dog Duke to the army—his father still ended up as a prisoner of war. He felt that all his efforts hadn’t made a difference in protecting his father.

What was Hobie's plan for Pepper, and how did he come up with it?

Hobie came up with the idea of signing Pepper up for the Marines, hoping she could take the place of his dog Duke, who had been sent away. He thought Pepper was smart enough to be trained and could eventually help in the war effort.

What game did Hobie and his family play after dinner, and how was the atmosphere during the game?

The family played Monopoly, but the atmosphere was subdued. Everyone was distracted by the news about Hobie's father. For example, June didn’t buy any railroads (her favorite), and Eric forgot to collect rent multiple times.