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.

Outlines

00:00

🛠️ Restoring the Anchor with Uncle Trig

Hobie works with Uncle Trig to restore an old anchor using sandpaper and a steel brush. While Uncle Trig works on the engine, Hobie labors to remove rust from the anchor, though progress is slow. During lunch, Uncle Trig teases Hobie about the long task ahead, but Hobie is determined to complete the job. After a break, they continue working, but Hobie's efforts barely make a dent in the rust. Eventually, Uncle Trig leaves, and Hobie plans to check on his dogs, Max and Pepper, who are struggling with obedience training.

05:01

🐾 Trouble with Pepper and Max

Hobie heads home to check on Max and Pepper, who have been together for two weeks without anyone claiming Pepper. While bathing Pepper, Hobie and Max discuss their concern about finding her a permanent home before she ends up at the pound. Despite their efforts to find someone willing to adopt Pepper, including asking neighbors and even considering offering her to passersby at the local theater, they are running out of options. The boys are left hoping that something will work out before Pepper's time runs out.

10:03

📨 Bad News Delivered: Dad is a Prisoner of War

A telegram arrives at Hobie's home, bringing devastating news that his father, Second Lieutenant Palmer Hanson, is a prisoner of war in Germany. The news shocks Hobie, his mom, and his sister June. While June doesn’t fully understand the gravity of the situation, Hobie is overwhelmed with fear for his father's safety. His mother tries to comfort them, but the weight of the situation is heavy. Family members arrive to provide support, and Hobie tries to distract June with a game, but the atmosphere in the house remains tense.

😔 Uncertainty and Worry for Dad

That night, Hobie struggles to sleep, tormented by thoughts of his father being in the hands of the enemy. His anger and frustration boil over as he questions the fairness of the situation. Despite all his efforts to contribute to the war effort, such as giving his dog Duke to the military, he feels powerless. Hobie worries whether his father is tough enough to endure being a prisoner of war. Desperate for comfort, Hobie comes up with a plan to train Pepper and offer her to the Marines as a replacement for Duke, hoping that this might bring Duke back.

Keywords

💡Anchor

The anchor represents both a literal and symbolic object in the script. Hobie works on removing rust from an anchor, symbolizing hard work, persistence, and a steady foundation amidst uncertain times during the war. The anchor becomes a metaphor for grounding oneself during difficult moments, as Hobie scrapes away rust, much like how people must address challenges in life.

💡Rust

Rust symbolizes decay and deterioration, which Hobie is tasked with removing from the anchor. In a broader sense, the rust represents the wear and tear caused by the war, impacting both physical objects and people's emotional resilience. Hobie's efforts to clean the rust also symbolize the attempts to restore and maintain hope during hardship.

💡Telegram

The telegram in the story is a crucial narrative device representing both fear and revelation. When Hobie's family receives the telegram, it delivers the news that his father is a prisoner of war, plunging the family into fear and uncertainty. Telegrams during this time were often associated with bad news, heightening the emotional tension in the scene.

💡Prisoner of War

The concept of 'Prisoner of War' (POW) is central to the emotional and narrative tension in the story. Hobie's father is reported as a POW, which introduces fear, confusion, and anxiety into the family. The term reflects the human cost of war, the unknown fate of loved ones, and the emotional burden carried by those on the home front.

💡War Effort

Throughout the story, Hobie reflects on his contributions to the war effort, such as planting a Victory Garden and participating in scrap drives. This concept illustrates the collective responsibility of civilians during World War II to support the military, even though Hobie questions the effectiveness of his efforts when faced with the harsh reality of his father's capture.

💡Victory Garden

Victory Gardens were homegrown vegetable gardens planted during the war to boost food production. Hobie's involvement in planting one demonstrates his desire to contribute to the war effort, even from the home front. The garden serves as a symbol of resilience and self-reliance during a time when food and resources were scarce.

💡Family

Family is a central theme in the script, providing emotional support and solidarity amidst uncertainty. Hobie, his mother, and sister June huddle together for comfort after receiving the telegram about their father. The importance of family is emphasized as a source of strength, warmth, and resilience in times of crisis.

💡Dog (Pepper)

Pepper, the dog, represents companionship, innocence, and the desire for stability. Hobie and his friend Max struggle with finding a permanent home for Pepper, symbolizing the instability and lack of control over circumstances during the war. The dog's uncertain fate parallels the uncertainty the characters feel about their loved ones in the military.

💡Strength

Strength in the story is depicted both physically, as Hobie works on tough tasks like cleaning the anchor, and emotionally, as the characters cope with the news of Hobie's father's captivity. This dual representation of strength highlights the internal and external efforts required to endure the struggles of war.

💡Hope

Hope is a recurring theme as the characters grapple with the uncertainty of the war. Despite the hardship of learning that Hobie's father is a POW, the family clings to hope, believing that he will return home safely. Hope drives them to continue with daily life, even when confronted with overwhelming fear and doubt.

Highlights

Hobie is tasked with removing rust from an anchor, learning to work with perseverance despite the difficulty.

Uncle Trig teaches Hobie the value of taking breaks, as they pause for lunch after working hard on the anchor.

Hobie expresses his longing for his father and Duke to come home, showing his emotional connection to family.

Hobie checks in on Max and Pepper, two characters engaged in playful obedience training with the stray dog, Pepper.

Hobie and Max worry about Pepper's fate, fearing she may end up at the pound if no one claims her soon.

The light-hearted moment of Pepper shaking off water after a bath brings some humor to an otherwise serious situation.

The ominous arrival of a telegram fills Hobie with dread, as telegrams have previously brought bad news to his family.

The telegram reveals that Hobie’s father, Second Lieutenant Palmer B. Hanson, is a prisoner of war, leaving the family in shock.

Hobie struggles with his emotions after hearing about his father's capture, feeling a mix of worry and anger.

The family gathers for support after the news, with Hobie, his mother, and sister June huddling together for comfort.

Uncle Trig and Aunt Ellen try to lift the family’s spirits by offering support and encouraging them to stay hopeful.

A care package is suggested for Hobie’s father, as a way for the family to help, even though they feel powerless.

Hobie feels a sense of responsibility as the 'man of the house' but is also overwhelmed by the uncertainty of his father's fate.

Despite his anger, Hobie tries to stay strong for his mother, knowing that she is also struggling with the news.

Hobie comes up with a plan to offer Pepper to the Marines, hoping that by doing so, he can get Duke back from the army.

Transcripts

this chapter is called news okay chapter

14 this one is called news July 20th

1944

hoby took the steel brush and sandpaper

for uncle trick you can use the paper

wet or dry Uncle tricky explained uh we

said we need to get every bit of rust

off the inker he chuckled I guess I

don't mean we I mean you

I'll be working on the engine you okay

here but we took one look at the anchor

braced up on saw horses even though he

wasn't sure he was okay he told uncle

trig that he was he said the supplies on

the deck and inspected the anchor more

closely he was going to grow some

muscles scraping away all this rust no

doubt about it

he arranged a canvas tarp under the

anchor and got to work at noon uncle

Drake announced a lunch break

I'm not done yet hope he said uncle

Triggs laughed laugh bubbled up from his

toes and you won't be done for a good

for a good while he said all the more

reason to stop for lunch

they sandwiches and Ellen had made

watching the boats moving about in the

harbor doesn't it make you want to go

somewhere

uncle Troy gasps Toby oh we didn't

answer you like being right where he was

he didn't really want to go anywhere

else he just wanted the ones that he

cared about dad and Duke to come home to

him come home

uncle trick chewed up the last of his

sandwich washing it down with this wig

of coffee let's get back to work he and

Hobie worked for another couple of hours

he sanded and scrubbed until his arms

armed he barely made a dent in the rust

he sat back on his haunches wiping sweat

from his forehead but the hem of his

t-shirt

uncle trick tapped him under the

shoulder tapped him on the shoulder

start your supplies he said I got chores

at home uncle trick picked up his lunch

pail and thermos can I drop you

somewhere

sure he'd been a few days since hope he

had been able to check in on max and

pepper so um to see how they were doing

with obedience training my friend his

house holy stash the sandpaper and

brushes in the blocker here all just

bike down to the dock down the dock tug

tuaregs car and lifted it into the truck

uncle trick told homie about the letter

they'd gotten from Eric and Emil who

were at Fievel camp for two weeks those

two knuckleheads getting themselves into

more trouble he said I got the brainy

idea to stick called their counselors

socks in the freezer he sounded cross

but his eyes were twinkling that's the

house there Hobie pointed at the clients

uncle trick pulled up to the curb and

then unlock the trunk same time tomorrow

morning Holly lifted out his bike

that'll be fine uncle trick winked at

Hobie no no turning your sister socks

into popsicles he said I won't dream of

it Hobie straightened the front wheel to

get the bike rolling our icebox doesn't

even have a freezer

he added uncle trick burst out laughing

see you tomorrow son he drove off Hobie

followed the barking to the backyard it

been two weeks since max had found

pepper two weeks and over two dozen

found dog signs but no one had

telephoned to claim her which one of you

is getting the bath Hobie asked but both

mags and pepper were soaking it's

supposed to be her Mac said he squirted

more mag magitek shampoo pet shampoo on

peppers back he and Hobie had each

chipped in 30 cents to buy the shampoo

at Bartels always hope he dropped his

bike and went over to help scrub hey

pepper hey girl he rubbed down shampoo

down her hind legs my first coat had

grown in shiny black not one flea

floated in the washtub today she put on

some weight

- max hosed off the lather better duck

he hollered they were too slow pepper

shook herself all over nailing them

really good Hobie wiped his face

sputtering max finished right rinsing

her er not a nuisance are you girl

pepper tried to lap ahead the water

pouring from the hose law says she can

stay another week but that's it max

stared off into space water cascading on

his sneakers

then it's the pound Pope we swallowed

hard the pound would only keep a dog for

a week or two and then it was all over

Hobie turned off the faucet we'll think

of something he said I know we will max

dropped the hose I sure hope so

pepper jumped out of the wash tub and

ran around the yard rolling on the grass

she's happy that June's not here

we said last time Jun had come over

they'd caught her trying to dress pepper

up in a skirt and a baby's bonnet I

screwed the lid back on the shampoo

bottle yeah he agreed Pepper's not crazy

about playing dress-up pepper heard her

name and trotted up to max he stroked

her wet head what are we going to do pep

he asked her answer was to take off

again running and rolling that is one

goofy dog max said shaking his head

butthole we could tell that he didn't

really mean it I better get home will be

said going to work for uncle trick

hadn't put a dent in the list of chores

that mom had made for him each day see

you tomorrow

sure max sure max crap pepper as she ran

by and buckled her collar back on give

me a call if you get any brilliant ideas

Toby thought hard all the way home he'd

already asked mrs. Lee if she'd like to

have a dog seeing as she was so fond of

jokes about them but she worried that

pepper was too peppy she had promised to

see if any of her customers might be

able to take her home so far no one had

said yes I hope you even asked aunt

Ellen but she only rolled her eyes I

have two wild animals already she said I

can't handle one more Toby and Max were

running out of options the only other

thing we could think of was for them to

take pepper and sit outside someplace

busy like Roxy theater and ask people if

they wanted a dog as they came out of

the show you might work especially if

the show was something like called the

wild or Lassie Come Home this hobby

turned the corner Western Union

messenger on a bicycle was pedaling the

opposite direction down their Street

Toby's heart dive-bombed into his

stomach when the messenger dropped his

bike on the sidewalk in front of their

house the last telegram they got was

when a grandfather Hanson had died

telegrams brought bad news hope he tried

to run but his legs turned to mush by

the time he reached their front walk the

messenger was cycling away mom hadn't

seen him yet she opened the telegram and

then felt behind her collapsing on the

porch swing

mom puppy's legs finally started working

again he pounded on the steps she held

up a piece of paper her mouth open but

no words no sounds could come out June

came through the front door right away

right then mommy

she asked mommy she crawled up on mom's

lap oh beep

around his sister to see for himself

what the telegram and said the words hit

him like a rogue wave report just

received through the International Red

Cross states that your husband second

lieutenant Palmer B Hanson is a prisoner

of war the German government letter of

information follows from the provost

marshal General Howe we didn't move

couldn't move a picture flashed through

his mind of the b-24 model of the flu on

the floor of the classroom that day two

dads playing the crash was he hurt what

did it mean to be a prisoner of war he'd

read and heard awful things about the

Nazis what would they do to dad a

hundred questions bubbled up inside but

one look at mom told him not to ask them

not now mom mommy Juun tugged at mom's

dress mom hugged her close he'll be okay

junebug let me catch my breath

Hobie was too big for such coddling he

wished he wasn't why are you so sad June

asked she stroked mom's cheek mom took

her hand and kissed it mom inhaled the

shaky breath and looked to OB can you

play a game or something with June she

asked I should call Trey she gave June

another squeeze hop down sweetie I don't

want to play a game June said then we'll

do something else oh he told her he was

the man of the house and mom needed his

help but she really sat there her life

like her left hand holding the telegram

and her right

and padding June then she reached out to

Holly pulling him down next to her the

three of them huddled there drawing

strength and warmth from one another for

a good long while

finally mommy's June off her lap I'd

better make that call oh he took June

small hand come on how about a puzzle

Katie wants a story she said oh we

hadn't even finished reading the first

chapter in Little House on the Prairie

when uncle trick and Ellen and the

cousins arrived Palmer could land a

cardboard box

uncle tricks head squeezing mom's

shoulder he's fine of course he is aunt

Ellen tied one of mom's extra aprons a

tough Norwegian like that she kept her

tongue those Germans will rue the day

mom not a jump anomaly jun-hyung on the

hem of her dress what's rude June asked

mom bent to kiss the

top of her head why don't you go play

with the boys and Ellen took over in the

kitchen making coffee for the grown-ups

and kool-aid for the kids

she started supper to one of Abby's

favorites porcupine meatballs Emil and

Eric set up the Monopoly board June

picked the yellow token a male blue Eric

green and Hobie picked orange it was his

least favorite color

it didn't matter I dips banker said Emil

he was a banker last time said Eric was

not was too hobbies banker uncle trick

pronounced I hope you counted out the

play money and they took turns rolling

dice and moving the pieces around the

board but June didn't buy one railroad

which was her favorite thing and Eric

forgot to collect rent from Emil three

turns in a row the whole evening was

like that people tried to do usual

things fix dinner wash dishes listen to

the radio

but at Allan burned the broccoli mom

used oil instead of luck soap on the

dishes and when the radio crackled with

static no one got up to adjust it after

supper and Ellen telephoned the Red

Cross

they said they had help they can help us

find out where Palmer is she reported

but it may take some time

mom twisted a dish towel in her hands I

wish I could do something she said

always inside felt insides felt a lot

like the dish towel and Ellen hugged her

you can pray she said then she brushed

her hands together and we can start

assembling a care package for him the

house was heavy with quiet after uncle

tricks family left June had a tummy ache

and then a headache and then a toothache

and about how about if I lay with you

until you fall asleep

mom asked her June thought that was a

good idea kitty did too

the three of them curled up on June's

bed hope we went to his own room he

flopped face down on the bed left arm

dangling off the edge reaching for Dukes

warm comfort he had a stomachache too

like mom and June he was worried about

dad that was the biggest part of his

headache of his ache but the other part

was a big ball of mad how could this

have happened it wasn't fair Hobie had

done everything to be a good home front

soldier to do his bit all the war stamps

and the scrap drives he had planted a

Victory Garden and Duke he'd given away

to the army for crying out

and what good had that done for dad

nothing it wasn't fair none of his other

friends had had fathers in the service

not max or Preston door Katherine they

got to sit down to dinner with their

fathers every single night oh we tried

not to think about all the episodes of

how paragon that the Germans beat him up

and other stuff would dad be safe he was

tough

uncle trach had said that about a dozen

times tonight but was one dad tough

enough for the whole German army hope he

rolled over on his back tear trickling

to his ear he'd come talk to the spotter

model box top to the ceiling The

Liberator it blared until tonight he'd

like that red white and blue reminder of

building the model and of dad now only

added to his stomachache he grabbed his

pillow swinging it back and forth until

he knocked that darn thing down dad

wouldn't want Hobie fussing at mom the

way June was the man of the house had to

be strong and silent sometimes though a

guy needed to talk to someone and Duke

was the best listener who we knew but he

had tried to get him back twice private

first class course said they were team

dogging marine without Duke private

first class corps couldn't do his job

and despite everything else Hobie wanted

the Marines out there fighting the bad

guys

oh he sat upright on his bed his pillow

pressed to his middle if he were in a

comic book there'd be a light bulb over

his head private first class Korff

needed a dog and pepper needed a home

all he had to do was call mr. Rasmussen

sign pepper up and then the Marines

would send Duke back pepper was as smart

as Duke not as fast but definitely a

smart and she'd been easy to train she

could catch up in no time it was a

perfect solution all right see ya next

time