Duke Chapter 10

Jenna Olson

13 Apr 202013:47

Summary

TLDRIn 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.

Outlines

00:00

📜 A Series of Letters from Dad

The story begins with a group of letters arriving from Hobie's dad. Hobie, his sister June, and their mother receive multiple letters. In her letter, June’s father praises her for her hard work in school and includes a playful riddle about the alphabet. June quickly solves the riddle, impressing her brother Hobie, who recalls struggling with the same one as a child. Meanwhile, Hobie reads his own letter where his father expresses pride in him for building a spotter model, shares humorous comments about food, and suggests Hobie help his mother with some chores. His dad ends with a joke about ‘raining cats and dogs,’ a reference Hobie finds amusing. Hobie reminisces about family traditions like his aunt’s lutefisk, and he feels a deep connection to his father through the letters.

05:02

🎖️ Remembering War Heroes in Class

Hobie is tasked with bringing something to school for the Memorial Day program. Feeling uncertain, he decides not to share his dad’s personal letters. Instead, he plans to talk about Duke, a German Shepherd dog in the war effort. Hobie prepares a report, using a pamphlet and encyclopedia to compile his notes. At school, various students share their contributions: photographs of loved ones in the military, war-related projects, and personal mementos. A girl named Doreen tearfully expresses her sadness for a Japanese friend who was sent away due to the war, and the class reflects on this loss.

10:03

🐕 Duke’s Role in the War Effort

During the Memorial Day program, Hobie gives a presentation about Duke’s involvement with the Marines as part of the Dogs for Defense. He explains the different breeds used by the military and shares anecdotes from letters his father sent about Duke's training. The students are impressed, and their teacher, Mrs. Thornton, even suggests that Duke could visit the school when he returns from his service. Hobie feels proud but is soon confronted with the harsh reality when a classmate points out that Duke might be deployed to the Pacific war front, which makes Hobie anxious and regretful about sending his beloved dog to war.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Letters from Dad

These are multiple letters sent by the children's father during his time away in the war. The letters carry emotional and moral support for the children, like a riddle for June and praise for Hobie’s model work. They symbolize the father’s ongoing presence in their lives, even though he is physically absent.

💡The Alphabet Riddle

This riddle plays on the word 'alphabet' itself, asking how many letters are in 'the alphabet,' to which June initially answers 26 (the number of letters in the English alphabet). However, the trick lies in counting the letters in the phrase 'the alphabet,' which totals 11. This moment shows June's cleverness and the playful bond between her and her father.

💡Lutefisk

Lutefisk is a traditional Scandinavian dish made from dried fish, referenced humorously in the father’s letter. He jokingly compares it to 'kidney pie,' which he dislikes even more. This humorous touch highlights the father's sense of humor and provides insight into the cultural elements in the story, specifically the Norwegian and Swedish heritage of the family.

💡Dogs for Defense

Dogs for Defense refers to a program in which dogs were trained and used in military operations during World War II. In the script, Hobie donates his German Shepherd, Duke, to this program. This act underscores the theme of sacrifice and patriotism, as Hobie struggles with the emotional weight of sending his beloved pet into danger for the war effort.

💡Private Marvin Course

Marvin Course is a Marine who handles Hobie’s dog, Duke, in the Dogs for Defense program. He writes letters to Hobie detailing Duke’s progress and adventures, which serve to reassure Hobie but also make him anxious about Duke’s safety. Marvin represents the military personnel involved in the war, working alongside these trained dogs.

💡Canines for Uncle Sam

This phrase is the title Hobie gives to his Memorial Day project about war dogs. It illustrates Hobie’s sense of pride and patriotism in contributing to the war effort, even indirectly, by highlighting the roles of dogs in the military. The project shows Hobie’s desire to honor the service of animals, like his dog Duke, and educate others on their importance.

💡Memorial Day Program

The Memorial Day Program at Hobie’s school is an event where students share stories and items related to the war, honoring family members serving in the military. It serves as a backdrop for Hobie’s presentation on war dogs, highlighting how the war touches all aspects of life, even in classrooms, and how children like Hobie are also impacted by its events.

💡Tomiko

Tomiko is a Japanese-American student who was sent to an internment camp due to World War II’s anti-Japanese sentiment. Her absence is mourned by Dorian and other classmates, highlighting the racial injustices and traumas caused by the war. The moment serves as a reminder of the broader societal consequences of the war, beyond the battlefield.

💡The Pacific

In the context of the story, the Pacific refers to the theater of World War II where American forces are fighting against Japan. When Mitch mentions that Hobie’s dog, Duke, might be heading to the Pacific, it creates anxiety for Hobie, as the Pacific is associated with intense combat. The Pacific represents the distant, dangerous reality of war that threatens Hobie’s sense of security.

💡Patriotism

Patriotism is a recurring theme throughout the script, as characters like Hobie contribute to the war effort in various ways, from building models to donating dogs. The letters from the father and the Memorial Day Program also emphasize pride in serving the country. However, the theme is complicated by Hobie’s growing realization of the risks involved, especially for Duke.

Highlights

After weeks without any mail from Dad, several letters arrived all at once, creating excitement in the family.

Jun figured out the riddle about the alphabet faster than Hobie, showing her cleverness and determination.

Dad complimented Hobie on his efforts and mentioned being proud of his work on the spotter model.

Hobie's dad shared a funny joke in his letter, which Hobie thought was lame, but realized Mrs. Lee would appreciate.

Hobie was touched by his dad's acknowledgment of his efforts to help Uncle Trigg when he returned from Alaska.

Duke, Hobie's dog, was part of the war dog unit and recently helped handle a situation with paratroopers, showcasing his bravery.

Hobie considered bringing Duke's story to his class's Memorial Day program to honor the four-legged members of the military.

Max shared a special belt buckle made from a coconut shell, sent by his cousin on the USS Enterprise, who saved two buddies during Pearl Harbor.

Doreen expressed missing their Japanese classmate Tomiko, highlighting the impact of the internment camps during WWII.

Hobie shared about Duke being loaned to the Marines for Dogs for Defense, gaining respect and admiration from his classmates.

Mrs. Thornton praised Hobie for his contribution and hinted that Duke might be allowed at school when he returned as a war hero.

Mitch taunted Hobie about Duke being sent to California, implying the dog was likely heading into dangerous combat.

Hobie regretted his decision to loan Duke, feeling guilty that his best friend was now in danger because of him.

The emotional reaction of the class to missing Tomiko showed the deep impact of the internment camps on their community.

Hobie resolved to bring Duke back home and protect him, deciding he would do everything he could to prevent Duke from going to war.