Duke Chapter 7

Summary

In Chapter 7, 'Raising the Flag,' young Toby and June prepare for the Blessing of the Fleet ceremony. June is unhappy with her hair, while Toby is excited about a model airplane kit of his father's plane, a B-24 Liberator. Uncle Trick brings gifts, and Toby learns the model will help train military personnel to identify aircraft. The ceremony honors the fishing fleet, and Toby is chosen to hoist the flag. Meanwhile, Toby receives a letter from his dog Duke at Camp Lejeune, promising to return soon, but Toby feels conflicted about Duke's military role.

Takeaways

• 📅 The story is set on March 25th, 1944, during a time of war.
• 👨‍👧 June and her mother are preparing for a special event, with June's hair being styled elaborately.
• 👦 Hobie is excited about a model airplane kit of a B-24 Liberator, which is his dad's plane.
• 👨‍👧‍👦 Uncle Trick brings gifts for the children, including a jump rope for June and the model airplane kit for Toby.
• 🎨 June is not happy about having to sleep with bobby pins in her hair for the ceremony the next day.
• 🚢 The community gathers for the Blessing of the Fleet, a tradition since 1929, where a boat is chosen to represent all fishermen.
• 👔 Hobie is proud of his polished shoes and the effort he put into preparing for the ceremony.
• 🎨 June is reluctant to participate in the Blessing of the Fleet because it will interfere with her playing with her new jump rope.
• 🏠 Uncle Trick suggests that the model airplane could be used to help with military training by identifying plane silhouettes.
• 📬 Hobie receives a letter from his dog, Duke, who is with the military and cannot return home yet.
• 😔 Hobie is disappointed by the news about Duke and feels conflicted about what to do next.

Q & A

What event is taking place on March 25th, 1944 in the script?

The Blessing of the Fleet is taking place, where the fishermen and their families gather at Fishermen's Terminal for a ceremony.

Why is June upset with her mother?

June is upset because her mother is pulling her hair too hard while curling it and securing it with bobby pins, which she feels is not necessary for her to look her best.

What does Hobie trade with Max for a comic?

Hobie trades a comic with Max that he got from Miss Milner, the school librarian, who allows them to read in the library during rainy day recesses.

What is the significance of the model airplane that Uncle Trick gives to Toby?

The model airplane represents a B-24 Liberator, which was Toby's dad's plane. It also serves a purpose in training Navy, Army, and civil defense groups to recognize certain plane silhouettes during World War II.

Why does June's mother not let her jump rope before the ceremony?

June's mother doesn't want her to jump rope before the ceremony because she has spent a lot of time and effort curling and pinning June's hair, and jumping rope might ruin the hairstyle.

What does Uncle Trick bring for Toby and June?

Uncle Trick brings Toby a model airplane kit of a B-24 Liberator and for June, he brings a new jump rope with colored handles.

Why does Uncle Trick suggest that Toby might donate his finished model to the military?

Uncle Trick suggests that Toby might donate his finished model to the military because the military uses model aircraft to train people to recognize certain plane silhouettes, which is part of the war effort.

What does Toby plan to do with the model airplane after the ceremony?

Toby plans to work on assembling the model airplane after the ceremony, with the intention of donating it to the military once it's finished.

Who is chosen to hoist the flag during the Blessing of the Fleet ceremony?

Toby (Hobie) is chosen to hoist the flag during the ceremony, even though he hesitates because it seems like a big responsibility.

What does the letter from Camp Lejeune that Toby receives say?

The letter from Camp Lejeune is from Duke, who says that he and Marv passed their training. Duke also expresses that he considers himself a team with Marv now and promises to bring him back to Toby and June as soon as he can.

How does Toby react to the letter from Duke?

Toby is initially excited to receive the letter, but after reading it, he feels disappointed and worried about getting Duke back. He crumples the letter and throws it in the waste bin.