1. Set the stage - This novel begins with a young Shaker boy named Robert who helps a cow named apron deliver her calf and also remove her goiter. This took place sometime in the 1900's in Learning, Vermont.
2. Rising Action - Robert helps out around the house and does many chores. His bravery and hard work with the cow led to the reward of a pig named Pinky. Then Robert begins to have many adventurous and exhilirating times with Pinky.
3. Climax - The climax of the book is when Robert travels with the Tanners to Rutland fair where he discovers many new things and has a marvelous time showing the calves and his pig.
4. Falling Action - Robert works hard with his dad over time and is also involved in weaseling a dog. Then his dad begins to teach him how to take care of the farm since Haven is not feeling as well as he used too.
5. Conclusion - After killing Pinky and surviving the winter his father is struck sick and later ends up dieing. The burial takes place in the backyard where many show up such as the Tanners, the slaughterers, Jacob Henry, and even Mr. Clay Sander. Everybody mourns over the loss of Haven and his son speaks about his father for the burial. then Robert begins to take care of the farm on his own for his father and he discovers many things about as father that he never knew as well. An example of this is that his father tried to learn to write his name properly.
Characterization
Robert- Round, Dynamic: He is the main character of the story and everything revolves around him. Throughout the book he works hard for his family and does many things on the farm as well as in school. When his father dies he takes over and becomes a capable young man that aims to make his father proud. Throughout the book you are capable of seeing him turn into his father such as when he does his mission for his family and helps with the slaughtering of Pinky.
Lucy- Flat: The mother of Robert that is noticed throughout the book. She does not play a large role but nonetheless is still important and she tends to Robert and Haven his father everyday.
Haven Peck- Dynamic: He is the father of Robert and carries out his mission in life. He can be considered a simple man that tried to make a living and although he did not have an education he did what was needed so that he could support his family. You see him change throughout the book such as when he slaughters Pinky he cries over it and also when Robert discovers that Haven was trying to write his name.
Aunt Carrie- Flat: She is the aunt of Robert and she lives with the family. Although she does not play a important role in the book.
Edward Thatcher- Flat: He is a bully from school that picks on and makes fun of Robert for his ways. He does not play a important role in the book though.
Miss Malcolm- Flat: She is Roberts teacher and she does not play a very important role in the book she is the center of his education and that is what Haven wanted Robert to focus on, his education.
Benjamin Tanner- Static, Flat: He is a friendly neighbor of the Peck's and plays an important role in the book. He interacts with the Peck's many times throughout the book and also takes Robert to the rutland fair. When Haven dies he offers to help Robert out in any way necessary on the farm to keep things going for the family.
Pinky- Dynamic, Symbolic: Pinky is a very important character in the book. She is a very important friend of Roberts and to Robert she is the first thing he has ever truly owned and can say that it is his. Pinky symbolizes not only hope and ownership but also a long-term commitment to Robert and that is why she plays an important role in the book.
Isadore Crookshank- Flat: He does not play an important role in the book.
Aunt Matty- Flat: She is a friend of Lucy Peck and her real name is Martha Plover. She is concerned about Roberts grades and decides that it is best to tutor him so that he picks up his grade in English.
Uncle Hume- Flat: Aunt Matty's husband he does not play a important role in the book however.
Samson- Stock: Samson is the breeding boar of Benjamin Tanner and he is a large, muscular, toned boar that has large tusks and is said to be irresistible to pigs.
May Hillman- Flat: She does not play an important role in the book but she does head over to the Pecks to talk about her husband since she is concerned and worried about his actions.
Sebring Hillman- Dynamic, Flat: Sebring Hillman is normally a quiet man but when the government decides to build a highway near the cemetery he decides to move his daughters remains into his yard. He changes when Haven Peck talks him down.
Iris Bascom- Stock, Flat: Iris Bascom is a stock character since she is portrayed as a sluttish type of neighbor that after just having her husband die is now living with a new man. This representation demonstrates this characterization and she does not play a large role in the book but she does talk with Robert and also influences the Tanner's to take Robert with them to the Rutland fair.
Ira Long- Stock, Flat: Ira Long does not have a large role in the book but he symbolizes a stock character since he acts like a large and strong man. This stereotype puts him into this characterization and in the book he meets Robert twice once before he went to Rutland and when he got back and they worked together to weasel his terrier.
Bess Tanner- Flat: She is Benjamin Tanner's husband and although she does not play a large role in the book she takes care of Robert and watches over him at the Rutland fair.
Ira's Terrier- Flat, Symbolic: Ira's terrier is symbolic in the book since the weaseling incident with her shows that not everything goes as planned and living is the battle and struggle between life and death.
Mr. Clay Sander- Flat: The owner of the chain of pig slaughtering houses. He shows how Haven has made a commitment with everybody when he shows up with all the slaughterers for the burial.
Lucy- Flat: The mother of Robert that is noticed throughout the book. She does not play a large role but nonetheless is still important and she tends to Robert and Haven his father everyday.
Haven Peck- Dynamic: He is the father of Robert and carries out his mission in life. He can be considered a simple man that tried to make a living and although he did not have an education he did what was needed so that he could support his family. You see him change throughout the book such as when he slaughters Pinky he cries over it and also when Robert discovers that Haven was trying to write his name.
Aunt Carrie- Flat: She is the aunt of Robert and she lives with the family. Although she does not play a important role in the book.
Edward Thatcher- Flat: He is a bully from school that picks on and makes fun of Robert for his ways. He does not play a important role in the book though.
Miss Malcolm- Flat: She is Roberts teacher and she does not play a very important role in the book she is the center of his education and that is what Haven wanted Robert to focus on, his education.
Benjamin Tanner- Static, Flat: He is a friendly neighbor of the Peck's and plays an important role in the book. He interacts with the Peck's many times throughout the book and also takes Robert to the rutland fair. When Haven dies he offers to help Robert out in any way necessary on the farm to keep things going for the family.
Pinky- Dynamic, Symbolic: Pinky is a very important character in the book. She is a very important friend of Roberts and to Robert she is the first thing he has ever truly owned and can say that it is his. Pinky symbolizes not only hope and ownership but also a long-term commitment to Robert and that is why she plays an important role in the book.
Isadore Crookshank- Flat: He does not play an important role in the book.
Aunt Matty- Flat: She is a friend of Lucy Peck and her real name is Martha Plover. She is concerned about Roberts grades and decides that it is best to tutor him so that he picks up his grade in English.
Uncle Hume- Flat: Aunt Matty's husband he does not play a important role in the book however.
Samson- Stock: Samson is the breeding boar of Benjamin Tanner and he is a large, muscular, toned boar that has large tusks and is said to be irresistible to pigs.
May Hillman- Flat: She does not play an important role in the book but she does head over to the Pecks to talk about her husband since she is concerned and worried about his actions.
Sebring Hillman- Dynamic, Flat: Sebring Hillman is normally a quiet man but when the government decides to build a highway near the cemetery he decides to move his daughters remains into his yard. He changes when Haven Peck talks him down.
Iris Bascom- Stock, Flat: Iris Bascom is a stock character since she is portrayed as a sluttish type of neighbor that after just having her husband die is now living with a new man. This representation demonstrates this characterization and she does not play a large role in the book but she does talk with Robert and also influences the Tanner's to take Robert with them to the Rutland fair.
Ira Long- Stock, Flat: Ira Long does not have a large role in the book but he symbolizes a stock character since he acts like a large and strong man. This stereotype puts him into this characterization and in the book he meets Robert twice once before he went to Rutland and when he got back and they worked together to weasel his terrier.
Bess Tanner- Flat: She is Benjamin Tanner's husband and although she does not play a large role in the book she takes care of Robert and watches over him at the Rutland fair.
Ira's Terrier- Flat, Symbolic: Ira's terrier is symbolic in the book since the weaseling incident with her shows that not everything goes as planned and living is the battle and struggle between life and death.
Mr. Clay Sander- Flat: The owner of the chain of pig slaughtering houses. He shows how Haven has made a commitment with everybody when he shows up with all the slaughterers for the burial.
Chapter 1
Predictions: The calf slides out and is alive. He saves the cow.
Images: The top of a hill with a cow and a child.
Clarifications: Robert gives birth to the calf and saves Apron.
Questions: Is he unconscious? Will the cow survive?
Connections: It reminds me of kids being bullied at school.
Summary: He is mad at Edward Thatcher for making fun of his ways. Then Apron had a calf thanks to him helping her but due to her goiter she began to chokes so he pulled out her thyroid.
Predictions: The calf slides out and is alive. He saves the cow.
Images: The top of a hill with a cow and a child.
Clarifications: Robert gives birth to the calf and saves Apron.
Questions: Is he unconscious? Will the cow survive?
Connections: It reminds me of kids being bullied at school.
Summary: He is mad at Edward Thatcher for making fun of his ways. Then Apron had a calf thanks to him helping her but due to her goiter she began to chokes so he pulled out her thyroid.
Chapter 2
Predictions: He breaks his bones and is cut up badly. His dad will forgive him for skipping school.
Images: Father telling his son a bedtime story and talking to him.
Clarifications: He is injured but not dieing.
Questions: Is he dead? Is his father angry?
Connections: It reminds me of the time I wiped out on my bike and needed a lot of stitches.
Summary: He gets saved by Benjamin tanner who carries him to the house. There he is treated and gets sowed up.
Predictions: He breaks his bones and is cut up badly. His dad will forgive him for skipping school.
Images: Father telling his son a bedtime story and talking to him.
Clarifications: He is injured but not dieing.
Questions: Is he dead? Is his father angry?
Connections: It reminds me of the time I wiped out on my bike and needed a lot of stitches.
Summary: He gets saved by Benjamin tanner who carries him to the house. There he is treated and gets sowed up.
Chapter 3
Predictions: Mr. Tanner wants to reward him.
Images: A fence in the middle of a field.
Clarifications: He gets a pig for a reward from Mr. Tanner.
Questions: Will he get to keep the pig.
Connections: It reminds me of the time I got my dog.
Summary: Robert and his dad are working on the fence when Ben gives Robert a pig that he names Pinky. Then his dad gives him a lecture about the pig and the fence.
Predictions: Mr. Tanner wants to reward him.
Images: A fence in the middle of a field.
Clarifications: He gets a pig for a reward from Mr. Tanner.
Questions: Will he get to keep the pig.
Connections: It reminds me of the time I got my dog.
Summary: Robert and his dad are working on the fence when Ben gives Robert a pig that he names Pinky. Then his dad gives him a lecture about the pig and the fence.
Chapter 4
Predictions: Solomon will be able to move it.
Images: A classroom where the teacher tends to yell at only one of the students.
Clarifications: They move a mini shed for Pinky.
Questions: Where will the pig stay?
Connections: It reminds me of making a cat house for my sisters cats.
Summary: They worked on where the pig was gonna live and Robert had a talk with his Dad about baseball and school. They move the pigs house and talk about how the father is judged due to his lack of intelligence.
Predictions: Solomon will be able to move it.
Images: A classroom where the teacher tends to yell at only one of the students.
Clarifications: They move a mini shed for Pinky.
Questions: Where will the pig stay?
Connections: It reminds me of making a cat house for my sisters cats.
Summary: They worked on where the pig was gonna live and Robert had a talk with his Dad about baseball and school. They move the pigs house and talk about how the father is judged due to his lack of intelligence.
Chapter 5
Predictions: He goes to catch a bullfrog.
Images: A field with a river.
Clarifications: He is unable to catch a bullfrog and a crow ends up eating it.
Questions: Does he believe what his father said?
Connections: It reminds me of catching snakes and frogs in the creek.
Summary: They go into the field to catch a bullfrog. The crow eats the frog and Robert talks about a famous Shaker Robert Rogers. When they were called to the house the cat had triplets.
Predictions: He goes to catch a bullfrog.
Images: A field with a river.
Clarifications: He is unable to catch a bullfrog and a crow ends up eating it.
Questions: Does he believe what his father said?
Connections: It reminds me of catching snakes and frogs in the creek.
Summary: They go into the field to catch a bullfrog. The crow eats the frog and Robert talks about a famous Shaker Robert Rogers. When they were called to the house the cat had triplets.
Chapter 6
Predictions: He gets good grades. She talks to him about Baptism.
Images: A child sitting at the dinner table with his family in the dark.
Clarifications: He got all A's and a D.
Questions: Why does he believe Baptism is like that?
Connections: It reminds me of when my mom tutored students for her school and I had to go.
Summary: He brings home his report card and Aunt Matty tries tutoring him though it is a pointless cause.
Predictions: He gets good grades. She talks to him about Baptism.
Images: A child sitting at the dinner table with his family in the dark.
Clarifications: He got all A's and a D.
Questions: Why does he believe Baptism is like that?
Connections: It reminds me of when my mom tutored students for her school and I had to go.
Summary: He brings home his report card and Aunt Matty tries tutoring him though it is a pointless cause.
Chapter 7
Predictions: The hawk attacks Pinky. His relaxing time will be interrupted.
Images: Field of purple flowers with a hawk attacking a bunny.
Clarifications: He has fun with Pinky in a field of purple flowers.
Questions: Is Pinky going to run off from being scared?
Connections: It reminds me of my backyard at my house in Lawrence since it is big and filled with flowers.
Summary: He relaxes in the field with Pinky and they notice a hawk overhead. The hawk gets a rabbit and Robert talks about his mom's cooking. he heads home later and talks with his dad about the view.
Predictions: The hawk attacks Pinky. His relaxing time will be interrupted.
Images: Field of purple flowers with a hawk attacking a bunny.
Clarifications: He has fun with Pinky in a field of purple flowers.
Questions: Is Pinky going to run off from being scared?
Connections: It reminds me of my backyard at my house in Lawrence since it is big and filled with flowers.
Summary: He relaxes in the field with Pinky and they notice a hawk overhead. The hawk gets a rabbit and Robert talks about his mom's cooking. he heads home later and talks with his dad about the view.
Chapter 8
Predictions: They shoot him. He doesn't mess with the grave.
Images: Grave Robbers stealing a grave.
Clarifications: They do not steal the grave but instead go home for breakfast.
Questions: It it his kid? Why is he digging up graves?
Connections: It reminds me of Oblivion where I deal with the grave robbers.
Summary: Mr. Hillman wanted to take his daughter and bury her on his land. They went home and had breakfast with Mr. Hillman after Robert and his dad talked him down.
Predictions: They shoot him. He doesn't mess with the grave.
Images: Grave Robbers stealing a grave.
Clarifications: They do not steal the grave but instead go home for breakfast.
Questions: It it his kid? Why is he digging up graves?
Connections: It reminds me of Oblivion where I deal with the grave robbers.
Summary: Mr. Hillman wanted to take his daughter and bury her on his land. They went home and had breakfast with Mr. Hillman after Robert and his dad talked him down.
Chapter 9
Predictions: He gets to go to Rutland for the fair. She yells at him for something.
Images: A child listening to their parents without the parents even noticing.
Clarifications: Robert listens to his mom and Aunt Carrie talking.
Questions: What happened to Vernal Bascom?
Connections: It reminds me of my parents fighting.
Summary: In the house Robert listens to Aunt Carrie and his mom talking about many topics.
Predictions: He gets to go to Rutland for the fair. She yells at him for something.
Images: A child listening to their parents without the parents even noticing.
Clarifications: Robert listens to his mom and Aunt Carrie talking.
Questions: What happened to Vernal Bascom?
Connections: It reminds me of my parents fighting.
Summary: In the house Robert listens to Aunt Carrie and his mom talking about many topics.
Chapter 10
Predictions: He gets into trouble. He has a good time and while cleaning Pinky he misses the calve showing.
Images: A fair that has animals held their.
Clarifications: He goes to the Rutland fair land gets first place with Pinky for best behaved.
Questions: What happened with the calf show? Did he only show Pinky?
Connections: It reminds me of the fair in Lawrence where they showed animals.
Summary: They go to Rutland and first show the calves. Then they show Pinky and Pinky wins first place for best behaved and Robert throws up on the judge.
Predictions: He gets into trouble. He has a good time and while cleaning Pinky he misses the calve showing.
Images: A fair that has animals held their.
Clarifications: He goes to the Rutland fair land gets first place with Pinky for best behaved.
Questions: What happened with the calf show? Did he only show Pinky?
Connections: It reminds me of the fair in Lawrence where they showed animals.
Summary: They go to Rutland and first show the calves. Then they show Pinky and Pinky wins first place for best behaved and Robert throws up on the judge.
Chapter 11
Predictions: They put the dog down. Papa and rob are changed because of it.
Images: A weasel and a dog fighting. Also a blood filled barrel.
Clarifications: They weasel the dog and put it down because of how much pain it is in.
Questions: Did the dog go crazy?
Connections: It reminds me of when I went out and dealt with a raccoon.
Summary: They catch a weasel and decide to weasel Ira Longs dog. the dog gets severely hurt after winning the fight and they put him down.
Predictions: They put the dog down. Papa and rob are changed because of it.
Images: A weasel and a dog fighting. Also a blood filled barrel.
Clarifications: They weasel the dog and put it down because of how much pain it is in.
Questions: Did the dog go crazy?
Connections: It reminds me of when I went out and dealt with a raccoon.
Summary: They catch a weasel and decide to weasel Ira Longs dog. the dog gets severely hurt after winning the fight and they put him down.
Chapter 12
Predictions: They go get a coat. They plan to kill Pinky.
Images: Father and son sitting at a table.
Clarifications: Robert and his dad have a talk about how he won't be around anymore and that Robert needs to learn how to run the farm.
Questions: Why does he want a coat so bad? Will he be able to maintain the farm by himself?
Connections: This reminds me of talkiing with my mom about life.
Summary: They talk about how Rob needs to learn how to run the farm since his dad is not doing well.
Predictions: They go get a coat. They plan to kill Pinky.
Images: Father and son sitting at a table.
Clarifications: Robert and his dad have a talk about how he won't be around anymore and that Robert needs to learn how to run the farm.
Questions: Why does he want a coat so bad? Will he be able to maintain the farm by himself?
Connections: This reminds me of talkiing with my mom about life.
Summary: They talk about how Rob needs to learn how to run the farm since his dad is not doing well.
Chapter 13
Predictions: They'll breed Pinky with Samson. He'll give him the pigs instead of the money.
Images: A pig pen.
Clarifications: Samson ends up breeding with Pinky for no effect.
Questions: Why are they taking about Pinky and estrus? Can Pinky breed or will they kill her.
Connections:
Summary: Robert told his problem to Mr. Tanner who brought over Samson. Although pinky tried to resist Samson had his way.
Predictions: They'll breed Pinky with Samson. He'll give him the pigs instead of the money.
Images: A pig pen.
Clarifications: Samson ends up breeding with Pinky for no effect.
Questions: Why are they taking about Pinky and estrus? Can Pinky breed or will they kill her.
Connections:
Summary: Robert told his problem to Mr. Tanner who brought over Samson. Although pinky tried to resist Samson had his way.
Chapter 14
Predictions: They kill Pinky. Robert cries and runs away.
Images: Dead pigs in a slaughterhouse.
Clarifications: They kill Pinky for food since they couldn't get any.
Questions: Why didn't they try getting more deer instead?
Connections: It reminds me of when I was on the farm and they were taking pigs to be killed.
Summary: They killed Pinky for food since they were unable to catch any food for Winter. It was the first time that Robert saw his dad cry.
Predictions: They kill Pinky. Robert cries and runs away.
Images: Dead pigs in a slaughterhouse.
Clarifications: They kill Pinky for food since they couldn't get any.
Questions: Why didn't they try getting more deer instead?
Connections: It reminds me of when I was on the farm and they were taking pigs to be killed.
Summary: They killed Pinky for food since they were unable to catch any food for Winter. It was the first time that Robert saw his dad cry.
Chapter 15
Predictions: The father is dead. Robert goes and runs off.
Images: A funeral being held with mourning families and also a cemetery.
Clarifications: Haven dies and Robert is left to attend to the farm and he does it with pride while noticing what types of bonds his dad made with many others.
Questions: Why did the Henry's show up?
Connections: It reminds me of my uncles funeral.
Summary: Haven Peck died and everybody mourned. They buried him in the yard without a headstone. The neighbors apologized and Robert found out more about his dad such as he has been trying to write his name.
Predictions: The father is dead. Robert goes and runs off.
Images: A funeral being held with mourning families and also a cemetery.
Clarifications: Haven dies and Robert is left to attend to the farm and he does it with pride while noticing what types of bonds his dad made with many others.
Questions: Why did the Henry's show up?
Connections: It reminds me of my uncles funeral.
Summary: Haven Peck died and everybody mourned. They buried him in the yard without a headstone. The neighbors apologized and Robert found out more about his dad such as he has been trying to write his name.
Theme
Life is unfair: This can be seen because of what Robert is put through such as when he has to help kill Pinky and when he gets torn up by Apron.
Education is everything: This can be seen since Haven wants Robert to have a good education since it will get him a good job and he will not be judged harshly because of his lack of knowledge.
Education is everything: This can be seen since Haven wants Robert to have a good education since it will get him a good job and he will not be judged harshly because of his lack of knowledge.
Motif
Survival: One motif is surviving since when they kill Pinky they did so since they would be unable to last through the winter without the food.
Education: This is a motif since it is Havens reason for working so hard so that his son is able to attend school and make something of his life.
Education: This is a motif since it is Havens reason for working so hard so that his son is able to attend school and make something of his life.
Symbol
Haven's Tools: They symbolize the hardwork that haven has done over the years to support his family and get by.
School: This is a symbol since Haven wanted Robert to go to it and for it to be a big part of his life.
School: This is a symbol since Haven wanted Robert to go to it and for it to be a big part of his life.
Tone
Sad: When Haven dies everybody is sad and shows up to the funeral to show respect for him.
Happy: When Robert gets his pet pig he is so excited about it that he spends all of his time with the pig.
Angry: Robert was angry since it was unfair that he was not allowed to have what he wanted.
Alone: Robert felt alone since not only Pinky died but so did his father.
Happy: When Robert gets his pet pig he is so excited about it that he spends all of his time with the pig.
Angry: Robert was angry since it was unfair that he was not allowed to have what he wanted.
Alone: Robert felt alone since not only Pinky died but so did his father.
Mood
Self-Discovery Throughout the book Robert had went on many adventures and began to learn many things as time went on and he was able to do this in his own way.