Duke Chapter 7
Summary
TLDRIn 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.
Outlines
👨👧 Preparing for the Blessing of the Fleet
The first paragraph introduces a family preparing for the Blessing of the Fleet ceremony. June, the daughter, is having her hair styled by her mother for the event, expressing a preference for a simple ponytail. Meanwhile, Howie is reading a comic book and is excited about the possibility of starting a comic club at school. His mother is busy preparing his attire for the ceremony, including polishing his shoes with his father's brushes. The father is notably absent, as he is missing the ceremony for the second year in a row. Uncle Trick arrives with gifts for the children, including an Air Scout Spotter model plane for Howie and a jump rope for June. June is also given candy to sweeten the wait for the ceremony. The family's anticipation for the event is palpable, and the importance of the Blessing of the Fleet in their community is highlighted.
🛶 The Blessing of the Fleet Ceremony
The second paragraph describes the Blessing of the Fleet ceremony, where the community gathers at the fishermen's terminal. Howie and June, along with their mother, navigate through the crowd to meet Aunt Ellen. Howie is looking forward to working on his model plane after the ceremony, but the day's events include socializing with family and friends. Uncle Trick arrives and playfully interacts with June, eventually asking to borrow Howie to help with the ceremony. Howie is chosen to hoist the flag on the boat, which is a significant honor. Despite the cold, Howie feels proud and warm inside after successfully raising the flag. Uncle Trick promises to send the flag to Howie's father, who is away, and there's a sense of hope and family unity. The day concludes with a social gathering at Aunt Ellen's house, where the children play while the adults chat and enjoy pie.
📨 A Letter from Camp Lejeune
The third paragraph reveals a letter that Howie receives from Camp Lejeune, which is mistakenly delivered to his house. The letter is from his father, who shares the news of passing his training along with his dog, Duke. The father expresses his pride in Howie's role as a big brother and assures him that he will return Duke as soon as possible. Howie, however, is upset by the news and crumples the letter, tossing it in the waste bin. He is now faced with the challenge of figuring out how to get Duke back. The paragraph ends with a note that the next chapter will be read the following day, suggesting a serialized storytelling format.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Blessing of the Fleet
💡Ponytail
💡Comics
💡Model Aircraft
💡Bobby Pin
💡Jump Rope
💡Ceremony
💡Pin Curls
💡Pastor Havoc
💡Tie
💡Model Air Scout Spotter
Highlights
June's mother is styling her hair for a special event, using bobby pins.
June prefers a simple ponytail but is being prepared for a formal occasion.
Hobie is reading a comic book in the library during recess, a new activity facilitated by Miss Milner.
Miss Milner is considering starting a comic book club at the school.
Hobie's father has a tradition of shining shoes for the Blessing of the Fleet ceremony.
The Blessing of the Fleet is an annual event where a boat is blessed to represent the entire fishing fleet.
Uncle Trick visits with a gift for Toby: an Air Scout Spotter model of a B-24 Liberator plane.
June receives a jump rope and candy from Uncle Trick as a consolation for not being able to play.
The model airplane is revealed to have a purpose: to help train military personnel to identify enemy planes.
Toby and June collaborate to assemble the model airplane, with June's help being crucial.
The Blessing of the Fleet is a significant community event with families gathering at the docks.
Toby is chosen to hoist the flag during the Blessing of the Fleet ceremony.
Uncle Trick promises to send the flag to Toby's father, who is absent due to military service.
Toby receives a letter from his dog, Duke, who is now part of the military and has passed training.
The letter from Duke promises to return to Toby and June as soon as possible.
Toby is disappointed and crumples the letter, unsure of how to get Duke back.
Transcripts
okay all right we're gonna read chapter
seven raising the flag March 25th 1944
June was having a conniption you're
pulling too hard she complained mom
tugged another Hank another hank of
June's wet hair around her finger and
secured it with a bobby pin don't you
want to look your best tomorrow June's
lower lip poked out I think I'd look my
best in a plain old ponytail she whacked
wild kitty kitty think so too well we
turn around turned another page in his
comic he traded with max miss Milner the
school librarian was a sport letting
Hobie and Max read in the library during
rainy day recesses other kids had
started bringing in their comics too and
miss Milner was talking about starting a
club how he didn't want a club he just
wanted to read comics ouch June hollered
aren't you done yet
almost said mom but she'd been saying
that for a half an hour
Howie was glad that all he'd needed to
do was make sure his shoes were shined
mom had even let him use dad's brushes
this was the second year dad would miss
the blessing of the fleet
the Hansen's never missed there was even
a photograph in the family album a
brand-new baby June they're on the docks
ever since every year since 1929 in late
March all the fishermen and their
families would gather at fishermen's
terminal and every year pastor havoc but
choose one boat to represent the entire
fleet and he'd blessed that boat this
year he'd picked the lily best how do
those shoes look mom asked twisting
another curl around her finger will be
set down the comic and held them up for
her to see dad couldn't have done a
better job she said I've ironed your
white shirt and laid out your tie tie he
choked to death tie said mom firmly
Hobie side but not too loudly at least
he'd only have to wear the tie for a few
hours
June was going to have to sleep all
night on those pokey bobby pins that's
someone at the door last Cosi hope he
scrambled up a huge man filled the
doorway just making sure you're going to
be there tomorrow said uncle trick
carried a box under his good arm when he
stepped aside he held it out Toby I got
one of these for my boys uncle trig said
meaning opens Kobe's cousins Emily Emil
and Eric they don't have the patience
but I thought you might
he had a Toby a blue box stamped
official air scout spotter models 25
cents B 24 The Liberator dad's plane
hope me ran his hands over the box
June's lower lip stuck out even further
what did you bring me my little pickled
herring
uncle trig said you don't think your
favourite uncle would come empty-handed
do you he reached into his pocket and
pulled out a brand new jump rope with
colored handles Oh Thank You June tried
to reach for it but mom tugged her back
down we're not done here
mom said fussing with the pin curl that
had come loose but I want to try out my
new jump rope said June not after I've
gone to all this work on your hair said
mom you can jump rope after the ceremony
tomorrow that's too long
June wild uncle trick patted his
overcoat pocket I may have something
that will sweeten the wait he had a
general of citrus fruit drops she toured
open and popped one in her mouth what do
you say mom asked Thank You June smacked
on her candy do you want one she offered
the role first to mom and then to Uncle
trick I'll take one said Hobie June made
a face June said mom oh all right
June peeled the paper rolled down
farther by passing a cherry drop here
she had to Toby the green one I don't
like this flavor oh gee thanks
Oh we popped to the candy in his mouth
then he studied the cover of the model
box this looks well thanks uncle trick
mom came back from the kitchen with a
cup of coffee and handed it to Uncle
trick Toby I'm sorry Hobie flipped the
box around and read the back a red white
and blue message caught his eye boys you
can help win the war Toby read closer
[Music]
sorry about that hope we leaned closer
and read the fine print thousands of
model aircraft are needed to Train Navy
army and civil defense groups block
Hitler built a plane you could help it
uncle trick said shrugging off his
overcoat or donate it to the military
they are using them to Train folks to
look for certain plane silhouettes he
added what we have to the box I don't
get it how could a model help the army
uncle Trigg lifted his coffee cup high
over Hokies head if you hung that model
on the ceiling it would look like a b24
flying about a mile up nip tea ho we
decided to write then he would donate it
when he finished to do his part you'll
need some black paint said uncle trick
but I thought your dad might have some
in the basement would you like something
to go with that coffee mom asked I'm
done here she stretched a hair net over
Jun's head full of crisscross bobby pins
you can go play now
mom said but no jump-roping the coffee
hit the spot uncle trig sat down his
empty cup I best be on my way see you
tomorrow as soon as he left Toby ran to
the basement
there was a small can of black on the
back of dad's workbench he ran back
upstairs I'll be in my room mom he
called he carefully opened the model box
with his pocket knife and read the
instructions twice his bedroom door
creaked open what you doing June asked
she looked like some kind of space
creature with those pins all over her
head nothing Toby picked up a piece was
that the right wing or the left ring can
I help Jun bumped his elbow no how he
pushed her away but I heard you and
uncle trade this is daddy's plane she
padded the box as if it were a pet as if
it were a Duke beside okay you can help
but you have to do exactly what I tell
you he said the pieces out on the desk
some of them need to be pushed out of
the way
sorry punched out of thin wood frame but
they looked so flimsy and breakable but
we picked them up and set them down
again I could punch him out Jun offered
I have lots of practice with paper dolls
but we hesitated but her fingers were
smaller than his and she did have a lot
of paper dolls he handed over the piece
of wood and Jun gently pressed out the
first piece see he she said piece of
cake
want me to do the rest Obie handed poby
hand poised over the other pieces then
pushed them over June finished the task
while he started arranging the bigger
pieces for the assembly by the time they
left for the blessing of the fleet on
Sunday morning bundled up against the
cold March morning both wings were sandy
as smooth as mom's fancy silk scarf will
be planned to glue them on that
afternoon
mom June and Hobie made their way
through the crowds down the dock passing
boat after boat breathing deep of salt
and fish over here and Ellen called
waving a handkerchief mom took Joon's
hand and shimmering in the raw air they
hurried to stand with aunt Ellen you'll
come over after her coffee aunt Ellen
said to mom of course mom answered while
we try not to groan he had hoped to work
on the model that afternoon coffee and
aunt Ellen's would turn into a pinochle
game for the grown-ups and then supper
it always did you knew when they'd get
home there's my boy uncle trick came
over and scooped Toby in a bear hug he
turned to Jim and who is this movie star
with you he asked Jim giggled making her
pin curls bounce this it's me uncle
trick June
no uncle trick looked very thoughtful
not Shirley Temple June giggled again
may I borrow your brother fair maiden
uncle trick asked I promised to bring
him back
you may June answered like a princess
curtsy no come with me young man
uncle trick put his good arm around
Hobie shoulder the boys and I decided
there was only one person to hoist the
flag today he tapped Toby Hobie
hesitated are you sure he tugged at his
necktie but it's a pretty big deal seems
like you should do it
Palmer would do the honors if he were
here being the oldest Emaline earth Eric
our scuffling on the dock said uncle
trick as he stepped over to separate
them he started he started it a mill
said uh-uh said Eric stoic crumpled
uncle trick oh hello pastor he greeted
pastor havoc whose long nose was as red
as the scarf wrapped around his neck
god bless trick pastor havoc shook hands
with all the handsome crew then he
pulled a small purple flag from his
pocket I remember your father when he
was your age the pastor said to Hobie
handing him the flag he and trick were
like those two he tilted his head toward
Eric and Emil it's a wonder your
grandfather had any hair at all with the
trouble they gave him Toby glanced over
at his cousin's the male sneaked a punch
in Eric's arm Eric's shoe landed on top
of a male's foot he had a hard time
picturing dad and uncle trig acting like
that let us pray uncle trig and the
other men remove their hats pastor havoc
bowed his head and the crowd quieted for
a small man had a big voice and the
water helped carry it over the docks
Toby stood there uncertainly a moment
after the prayer finished he didn't want
to do the wrong thing
a big oh boy pastor havoc waved his hand
and Hobie scrambled across the gangplank
to the boats deck he clipped the flag on
the lines and hoisted it up up up when
it bumped at the top of the pole the
crowd cheered his hands ached from a
cold but homey felt warm inside
if only dad's was one of the faces there
on the dock he made his way back across
the gangplank in leapfrogged to the dock
good job Hobie uncle trick shook his
hand and then pointed to the flag when
the season's over we'll send that to
your dad he said you might be home
before then ho he said right you are
uncle trick tugged on the brim of his
hat there's always hope with the line in
the water he said before Hobie could
figure out what that meant the mail
grabbed his arm race you to the end of
the dock Hobie tore off after his
cousins and three of them dodging this
way and that through the departing crowd
at uncle tricks the cousins played
arousing game of Chinese checkers June 1
well the adults drink coffee and talked
and Ellen's butterscotch pie almost made
up for not being able to work on his
model plane then they came home to find
an envelope which between the screen
door delivered to my house by mistake
was penciled on the front
well his heart jumped when he saw it was
it addressed to him from Camp Lejeune he
ran to his room to read it dear Hobie
I am wagging my tail because Marv and I
passed our training with flying colors
I've never doubted that I'd passed but
Marv was another question altogether the
hardest thing for me not Marv was
learning not to bark especially during
the field exercises your pal Duke PS
Corps here I don't have a little sister
but if I did I hope I could be the kind
of big brother you are I hate to break a
kid's heart but Duke and I are a team
now I promise
bring Duke back to you and your sister
as soon as I can hope we crumpled the
letter and tossed it in the waste bin
his plan Hannah Bert
now what was he going to do to get Duke
back all right you guys that was Chapter
seven see you tomorrow
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