A Day No Pigs Would Die by: Robert Newton Peck
Exposition: Rob saves a calf, and is beaten up badly in the process. Once he was found, he was healed and rewarded with a pig, which he named Pinky.
1) When initially given the pig, Rob was excited and shocked, but his father wasn't going to allow it. Then Mr. Tanner took Rob's side, so he got to keep the pig.
2) Rob's family don't believe in frills (anything of leisure), and won't allow him to have a bicycle.
3) Haven explains to Rob that a fence brings people together, rather than separate them.
4) Rob and his dad build Pinky a place to live.
5) Haven tells Rob he can't read.
6) Haven remembers everything in the Book of Shakers from when his father explained it to him.
7) Rob thinks that the Green Mountain Boys is a baseball team.
8) Rob's cat has kittens.
9) Rob gets a 'D' in English, so Aunt Carrie decides to tutor him.
10) Rob gets to go to Rutland with Mr. Tanner
11) Rob wins a hog competition with Pinky
12) Rob helps weasel Hussy
13) Rob is told that he is the man of the house, and needs to take care of the farm
14) Haven tells Rob that he won't make it another winter
15) Pinky gets bred with Samson
16) Pinky can't have babies
CLIMAX
17) Pinky is butchered
FALLING ACTION
18) Haven dies
RESOLUTION
19) Rob grows up, and takes care of the farm
Characterization:
Rob- The main character; grows up throughout the book, experiences everything from raising a pig to watching his father die. He is a dynamic character because by the end of the book, Rob is all grown up and taking care of everything. He is Round, because he is well-explained throughout the book. He is in love with his pig, Pinky.
Pinky- Rob's Pig; very friendly, adventurous, and brave. Also shown throughout the book, Pinky always appears to be at Robert's side. When Pinky dies, it has a ripple effect, and Rob's family gets depressed. Round- is shown throughout her life, growing up with Rob; Static- doesn't change much throughout the story- still follows Rob around.
Haven: Rob's father; teaches Rob all about the Shaker religion; can't read; is a pig butcher/farmer; round- well explained throughout book; dynamic-cries for Pinky in the end of the book
Rob's Mother: static-doesn't change too much; flat- isn't even named in the story; is constantly looking after Rob
Mr. Tanner: A caring neighbor to the Pecks; gives Rob Pinky; round- explained throughout the story; static- is always a caring neighbor
1) When initially given the pig, Rob was excited and shocked, but his father wasn't going to allow it. Then Mr. Tanner took Rob's side, so he got to keep the pig.
2) Rob's family don't believe in frills (anything of leisure), and won't allow him to have a bicycle.
3) Haven explains to Rob that a fence brings people together, rather than separate them.
4) Rob and his dad build Pinky a place to live.
5) Haven tells Rob he can't read.
6) Haven remembers everything in the Book of Shakers from when his father explained it to him.
7) Rob thinks that the Green Mountain Boys is a baseball team.
8) Rob's cat has kittens.
9) Rob gets a 'D' in English, so Aunt Carrie decides to tutor him.
10) Rob gets to go to Rutland with Mr. Tanner
11) Rob wins a hog competition with Pinky
12) Rob helps weasel Hussy
13) Rob is told that he is the man of the house, and needs to take care of the farm
14) Haven tells Rob that he won't make it another winter
15) Pinky gets bred with Samson
16) Pinky can't have babies
CLIMAX
17) Pinky is butchered
FALLING ACTION
18) Haven dies
RESOLUTION
19) Rob grows up, and takes care of the farm
Characterization:
Rob- The main character; grows up throughout the book, experiences everything from raising a pig to watching his father die. He is a dynamic character because by the end of the book, Rob is all grown up and taking care of everything. He is Round, because he is well-explained throughout the book. He is in love with his pig, Pinky.
Pinky- Rob's Pig; very friendly, adventurous, and brave. Also shown throughout the book, Pinky always appears to be at Robert's side. When Pinky dies, it has a ripple effect, and Rob's family gets depressed. Round- is shown throughout her life, growing up with Rob; Static- doesn't change much throughout the story- still follows Rob around.
Haven: Rob's father; teaches Rob all about the Shaker religion; can't read; is a pig butcher/farmer; round- well explained throughout book; dynamic-cries for Pinky in the end of the book
Rob's Mother: static-doesn't change too much; flat- isn't even named in the story; is constantly looking after Rob
Mr. Tanner: A caring neighbor to the Pecks; gives Rob Pinky; round- explained throughout the story; static- is always a caring neighbor
Chapter 1
Predictions: Rob will save the calf; Apron will die, and Rob will be praised
Images:
Predictions: Rob will save the calf; Apron will die, and Rob will be praised
Images:
Clarify: he is naked, being dragged through thorns, tries to pull out a goiter from a cow's throat, and gets bitten by the cow.
Try: How does he stand to go through all of this? What will his parents think?
Use: He has done more in the first chapter than most people would do... ever. He could have been killed by the cow, but he saved the calf's life.
Review: Rob ran away from school, wants to eat up Edward Thatcher for insulting Shaker Ways, sees the cow Apron and saves her calf after getting dragged naked through thorns and briars. Then he proceeded to attempt to save Apron by pulling a goiter out of her throat, as she bites him out of pain.
Evaluate: This is right. It seems far-fetched enough of a story to be true. I believe it.
Chapter 2
Predict: Rob went unconscious; Rob will get yelled at- a lot, but Tanner will defend him
Image:
Try: How does he stand to go through all of this? What will his parents think?
Use: He has done more in the first chapter than most people would do... ever. He could have been killed by the cow, but he saved the calf's life.
Review: Rob ran away from school, wants to eat up Edward Thatcher for insulting Shaker Ways, sees the cow Apron and saves her calf after getting dragged naked through thorns and briars. Then he proceeded to attempt to save Apron by pulling a goiter out of her throat, as she bites him out of pain.
Evaluate: This is right. It seems far-fetched enough of a story to be true. I believe it.
Chapter 2
Predict: Rob went unconscious; Rob will get yelled at- a lot, but Tanner will defend him
Image:
Clarify: Rob got stitched up while he was wide awake -ouch
Try: What is succotash, and how did Rob have the energy to eat it?
Use: Getting stitches would be very painful if you were awake as it is performed. Also, death does have a very... distinct scent. It is a stale, horrible smell.
Review: Rob is found and carried home by Mr. Tanner. Once home, Rob's mother stitches him back together and Rob begins to recover from his "adventure" with Apron.
Evaluate: This is right, although it would be excruciatingly painful. Stitching somebody back together while they are awake takes some nerve.
Chapter 3
Predict: Mr. Tanner will thank Rob for saving his cow and newborn calf; Somehow, a pig will come into the story; Rob will get better
Image:
Try: What is succotash, and how did Rob have the energy to eat it?
Use: Getting stitches would be very painful if you were awake as it is performed. Also, death does have a very... distinct scent. It is a stale, horrible smell.
Review: Rob is found and carried home by Mr. Tanner. Once home, Rob's mother stitches him back together and Rob begins to recover from his "adventure" with Apron.
Evaluate: This is right, although it would be excruciatingly painful. Stitching somebody back together while they are awake takes some nerve.
Chapter 3
Predict: Mr. Tanner will thank Rob for saving his cow and newborn calf; Somehow, a pig will come into the story; Rob will get better
Image:
Clarify: Fences do not necessarily stand as hostility. Instead, they can symbolize friendship. Rob got a pig, instead of money, or a pat on the back, or even a calf. He got a pig..
Try: Why would Benjamin Tanner give a pig to Rob if he knew Rob's father was a pig butcher? Also, why does a male robin have to own territory in order to attract a female?
Use: A pig is a lot of work to keep up with. Especially when winter comes around, because a pig eats a lot. And they can have babies.
Review: Rob is rewarded by Benjamin Tanner with a pig. Even though Rob's father is a pig butcher, Rob gets to keep the pig.
Evaluate: This is right. It is morally acceptable to repay someone who has helped you. Regardless of how much, or how far in the future.
Chapter 4 Predict: Rob will bond with Pinky; Rob will ask a lot of questions; Mr. Tanner will talk to Rob
Images:
Try: Why would Benjamin Tanner give a pig to Rob if he knew Rob's father was a pig butcher? Also, why does a male robin have to own territory in order to attract a female?
Use: A pig is a lot of work to keep up with. Especially when winter comes around, because a pig eats a lot. And they can have babies.
Review: Rob is rewarded by Benjamin Tanner with a pig. Even though Rob's father is a pig butcher, Rob gets to keep the pig.
Evaluate: This is right. It is morally acceptable to repay someone who has helped you. Regardless of how much, or how far in the future.
Chapter 4 Predict: Rob will bond with Pinky; Rob will ask a lot of questions; Mr. Tanner will talk to Rob
Images:
Clarify: Nobody had ever named a pig around Aunt Carrie before; Solomon's yoke weighs as much as Rob; Haven can't read the book of Shaker, but he really believes in it.
Try: How does Haven remember all of the Shaker Laws? Rob Thinks Ethan Allen was a baseball player?
Use: Ethan Allen was one of the green mountain boys; Haven could still vote: ballots accepted the letter "x"
Review: Rob learned that his father can't read, and that he memorized his father's preaches about the Shaker Religion
Evaluate: This is right, but it is ironic. Rob's father should in general, know more than Rob. It is typically thought that an elder would know more than a child. (No offense intended to Robert Newton Peck or his father)
Chapter 5
Predict: Something bad will happen; Rob will do something to get in trouble
Images:
Try: How does Haven remember all of the Shaker Laws? Rob Thinks Ethan Allen was a baseball player?
Use: Ethan Allen was one of the green mountain boys; Haven could still vote: ballots accepted the letter "x"
Review: Rob learned that his father can't read, and that he memorized his father's preaches about the Shaker Religion
Evaluate: This is right, but it is ironic. Rob's father should in general, know more than Rob. It is typically thought that an elder would know more than a child. (No offense intended to Robert Newton Peck or his father)
Chapter 5
Predict: Something bad will happen; Rob will do something to get in trouble
Images:
Clarify: Pinky doesn't leave Rob's side; Pinky gets scared easily: even by frogs; Robs cat had kittens
Try: How many kittens did Rob's cat have? How many times did Pinky run straight to Rob after being scared? Rob was willing to do chores?
Use: Cats can have a lot of kittens at one time; Crawdads can be pretty strong; Pinky had never seen a frog before
Review: Rob takes Pinky exploring; Pinky gets scared several times; and Rob's cat has kittens
Evaluate: This is right. animals tend to jump at things if they have never seen them before. Even humans do this.
Chapter 6
Predict: The kittens will be explained and described as they get older; Pinky will play with the kittens
Images:
Try: How many kittens did Rob's cat have? How many times did Pinky run straight to Rob after being scared? Rob was willing to do chores?
Use: Cats can have a lot of kittens at one time; Crawdads can be pretty strong; Pinky had never seen a frog before
Review: Rob takes Pinky exploring; Pinky gets scared several times; and Rob's cat has kittens
Evaluate: This is right. animals tend to jump at things if they have never seen them before. Even humans do this.
Chapter 6
Predict: The kittens will be explained and described as they get older; Pinky will play with the kittens
Images:
Clarify: Rob got a 'D' in English, but nobody could tell except for Aunt Matty, who pointed it out; She says she will tutor Rob, but Rob takes it wrong
Try: Rob thought Aunt Matty was going to teach him how to play an instrument? Only Aunt Matty could read the letter 'D'?
Use: Rob's family can't read. Well, all but aunt Matty. A 'D' stands out on a report card. Especially amongst 'A's.
Review: Rob gets a 'D' in English, and when Aunt Matty finds out, she begins to tutor him. Rob doesn't understand, and Aunt Matty gets frustrated.
Evaluate: This is right. This has happened to many people, and this would happen to kids even if it was a different subject altogether.
Chapter 7
Predict: Rob tries to teach Pinky tricks; Aunt Matty gets Rob in trouble; Pinky gets bigger
Images:
Try: Rob thought Aunt Matty was going to teach him how to play an instrument? Only Aunt Matty could read the letter 'D'?
Use: Rob's family can't read. Well, all but aunt Matty. A 'D' stands out on a report card. Especially amongst 'A's.
Review: Rob gets a 'D' in English, and when Aunt Matty finds out, she begins to tutor him. Rob doesn't understand, and Aunt Matty gets frustrated.
Evaluate: This is right. This has happened to many people, and this would happen to kids even if it was a different subject altogether.
Chapter 7
Predict: Rob tries to teach Pinky tricks; Aunt Matty gets Rob in trouble; Pinky gets bigger
Images:
Clarify: Rob wants to breed Pinky with Samson; None of my predictions were correct; Rob enjoys watching the sunset the most
Try: How would Pinky react if she knew that Rob was going to breed her? How does Haven expect to keep up with pig litters?
Use: Pigs are generally butchered and eaten as bacon and ham. But pigs reproduce often very quickly.
Review: Rob and Pinky witness a rabbit get killed; Rob wants Pinky to be a breeding pig
Evaluate: This is right. As gruesome as it may be, Rob would not have been able to save the rabbit.
Chapter 8
Predict: Rob will protect Pinky; Rob's father will get sick
Images:
Try: How would Pinky react if she knew that Rob was going to breed her? How does Haven expect to keep up with pig litters?
Use: Pigs are generally butchered and eaten as bacon and ham. But pigs reproduce often very quickly.
Review: Rob and Pinky witness a rabbit get killed; Rob wants Pinky to be a breeding pig
Evaluate: This is right. As gruesome as it may be, Rob would not have been able to save the rabbit.
Chapter 8
Predict: Rob will protect Pinky; Rob's father will get sick
Images:
Clarify: The man wasn't digging up Haven's relatives property, he was digging up a small box. Haven had the gun "for varmints, not neighbors"
Try: Why did Haven take Rob with him? How long had the "graverobber" been there?
Use: Graveyards are generally large, unpopulated areas; To dig up a grave is a major sign of disrespect
Review: Haven took Rob with him to go ensure that nobody was digging up his family's property. Sebring Hillman wasn't digging Haven's property; He instead dug up a small box.
Evaluate: This is wrong. Nobody should dig up anything from a graveyard. For any reason. To do so is disrespectful.
Chapter 9
Predict: Rob will talk to Tanner; the kittens will grow; Pinky will get troublesome
Images:
Try: Why did Haven take Rob with him? How long had the "graverobber" been there?
Use: Graveyards are generally large, unpopulated areas; To dig up a grave is a major sign of disrespect
Review: Haven took Rob with him to go ensure that nobody was digging up his family's property. Sebring Hillman wasn't digging Haven's property; He instead dug up a small box.
Evaluate: This is wrong. Nobody should dig up anything from a graveyard. For any reason. To do so is disrespectful.
Chapter 9
Predict: Rob will talk to Tanner; the kittens will grow; Pinky will get troublesome
Images:
Clarify: Rob is going to the Rutland Fair; Tanner is allowing Rob to enter Pinky into a competition
Try: Will the ox and pigs be judged at the same time? Will Rob win first place?
Use: Rob will probably get first or second in the competition because he is the main character; and Tanner is a nice neighbor, and would allow Rob to compete with Pinky even if the ox were judged at the same time
Review: Rob is invited to go to the Rutland county fair with Mr. Tanner. In return, Rob will lead Mr. Tanner's ox in the competition.
Evaluate: This is right; Rob did help the calves be born, and deserves to go where he has been wanting to go.
Chapter 10
Predict: Rob will go to the fair; Rob will win the competition
Image:
Try: Will the ox and pigs be judged at the same time? Will Rob win first place?
Use: Rob will probably get first or second in the competition because he is the main character; and Tanner is a nice neighbor, and would allow Rob to compete with Pinky even if the ox were judged at the same time
Review: Rob is invited to go to the Rutland county fair with Mr. Tanner. In return, Rob will lead Mr. Tanner's ox in the competition.
Evaluate: This is right; Rob did help the calves be born, and deserves to go where he has been wanting to go.
Chapter 10
Predict: Rob will go to the fair; Rob will win the competition
Image:
Clarify: Rob Is practically bouncing around in his seat out of excitement while on his way to the Fair; the fair grounds are bigger than Rob has ever seen before
Try: Were Mr. and Mrs. Tanner laughing at Rob's eagerness? How big were Tanner's horses?
Use: Horses are much faster than Ox. Therefore Rob couldn't understand why they were so fast; Rob had never heard the term "rest-room" used before
Review: Rob and the Tanners were on their way to the fair, where Rob begins wondering what the word "pervert" is. Rob shows off Mr. Tanner's oxen and Pinky. Pinky wins first prize for "Best Behaved Pig".
Evaluate: This is right. Rob and Pinky deserve to win 1st place for something after all the things they have been through.
Chapter 11
Predict: Rob will constantly talk about Rutland; Haven will be proud; Pinky will be bred
Images:
Try: Were Mr. and Mrs. Tanner laughing at Rob's eagerness? How big were Tanner's horses?
Use: Horses are much faster than Ox. Therefore Rob couldn't understand why they were so fast; Rob had never heard the term "rest-room" used before
Review: Rob and the Tanners were on their way to the fair, where Rob begins wondering what the word "pervert" is. Rob shows off Mr. Tanner's oxen and Pinky. Pinky wins first prize for "Best Behaved Pig".
Evaluate: This is right. Rob and Pinky deserve to win 1st place for something after all the things they have been through.
Chapter 11
Predict: Rob will constantly talk about Rutland; Haven will be proud; Pinky will be bred
Images:
Clarify: People used to 'weasel' a dog by locking him up with a weasel and seeing who won in a fight; a weasel and dog can detect each other
Try: How vicious are weasels? Which animal usually wins?
Use: The weasel could have rabies; the terrier could be killed; Rob could be hurt in this process
Review: Haven found and caught a weasel in the chicken coop. He took it to Miss Malcolm to weasel her terrier, which won, but went hostile and was killed shortly afterwards.
Evaluate: Morally, this is dead wrong. The idea that you could throw two animals into a small space together to fight to the death is inhumane and entirely too much.
Chapter 12
Predict: Everyone will mourn for Hussy; Rob will worry about Pinky
Images:
Try: How vicious are weasels? Which animal usually wins?
Use: The weasel could have rabies; the terrier could be killed; Rob could be hurt in this process
Review: Haven found and caught a weasel in the chicken coop. He took it to Miss Malcolm to weasel her terrier, which won, but went hostile and was killed shortly afterwards.
Evaluate: Morally, this is dead wrong. The idea that you could throw two animals into a small space together to fight to the death is inhumane and entirely too much.
Chapter 12
Predict: Everyone will mourn for Hussy; Rob will worry about Pinky
Images:
Clarify: Rob killed his first squirrel; Haven told Rob he was basically on his own; Haven doesn't think he will make it another year
Try: What would Rob do once the feeling of dread hits him? Will Rob do his job accordingly? What will happen to Pinky?
Use: Haven is getting older, and needs Rob to take care of himself and the farm; Rob is becoming an adult
Review: Rob is told he has to take care of the farm, and that he needs to take care of himself. Also, Haven told Rob he wouldn't be around next winter. He was going to die.
Evaluate: This makes some sense. Rob should be more concerned than he appears in the story, but other than that, it is about right.
Chapter 13
Predict: Rob will talk to Mr. Tanner; Rob's father will go to work
Images:
Try: What would Rob do once the feeling of dread hits him? Will Rob do his job accordingly? What will happen to Pinky?
Use: Haven is getting older, and needs Rob to take care of himself and the farm; Rob is becoming an adult
Review: Rob is told he has to take care of the farm, and that he needs to take care of himself. Also, Haven told Rob he wouldn't be around next winter. He was going to die.
Evaluate: This makes some sense. Rob should be more concerned than he appears in the story, but other than that, it is about right.
Chapter 13
Predict: Rob will talk to Mr. Tanner; Rob's father will go to work
Images:
Clarify: Pinky was "bred"; Rob could potentially pay off the farm with time
Try: How did Tanner control Samson if he was so big? What would Rob do with more pigs?
Use: Pinky is a special pig, and would produce more offspring; Selling pigs would be a way for Rob to pay off the farm
Review: Samson meets Pinky, while Rob and Mr. Tanner discuss business. Rob will give Mr. Tanner 2 pigs for payment (for the breeding). Rob could pay off his family's farm by raising pigs.
Evaluate: This makes sense. Tanner gave Rob the pig in the first place, and it is only fair that he ask for a share of the pigs to come.
Chapter 14
Predict: Pinky will die; Haven will cry; and die
Image:
Try: How did Tanner control Samson if he was so big? What would Rob do with more pigs?
Use: Pinky is a special pig, and would produce more offspring; Selling pigs would be a way for Rob to pay off the farm
Review: Samson meets Pinky, while Rob and Mr. Tanner discuss business. Rob will give Mr. Tanner 2 pigs for payment (for the breeding). Rob could pay off his family's farm by raising pigs.
Evaluate: This makes sense. Tanner gave Rob the pig in the first place, and it is only fair that he ask for a share of the pigs to come.
Chapter 14
Predict: Pinky will die; Haven will cry; and die
Image:
Clarify: Pinky is killed; Haven cries; and Rob is speechless
Try: How does Haven feel? How long was Pinky conscious?
Use: Haven is a pig butcher, and never cries. But he did cry for Pinky.
Review: Without saying a word, Rob and Haven agreed that it was time. They butchered Pinky. Because she couldn't be bred, and they needed food.
Evaluate: This makes sense. Rob's entire family would be severely depressed, and Rob would be in tears.
Chapter 15
Predict: Haven will die; Rob will cry; Rob will grow up
Image:
Try: How does Haven feel? How long was Pinky conscious?
Use: Haven is a pig butcher, and never cries. But he did cry for Pinky.
Review: Without saying a word, Rob and Haven agreed that it was time. They butchered Pinky. Because she couldn't be bred, and they needed food.
Evaluate: This makes sense. Rob's entire family would be severely depressed, and Rob would be in tears.
Chapter 15
Predict: Haven will die; Rob will cry; Rob will grow up
Image:
Clarify: Rob's father was dead; he died in the barn; Rob was grown up
Try: How could Rob go without crying? How was he so mature at age 13? Did he remember it often?
Use: After a funeral, the deceased are often remembered in their coffins for a long time. Also, it is almost impossible not to cry when your parents die.
Review: Rob has grown up. He is taking care of his mother and Aunt Carrie. And he did it all at age 13.
Evaluate: This makes sense. But not the fact that he could tell everyone without coming to tears. That would be nigh impossible.
Try: How could Rob go without crying? How was he so mature at age 13? Did he remember it often?
Use: After a funeral, the deceased are often remembered in their coffins for a long time. Also, it is almost impossible not to cry when your parents die.
Review: Rob has grown up. He is taking care of his mother and Aunt Carrie. And he did it all at age 13.
Evaluate: This makes sense. But not the fact that he could tell everyone without coming to tears. That would be nigh impossible.
Themes:
A few themes found in the story include coming of age, Family, Friendship, Isolation, Acceptance, and Death. The theme coming of age occurs when Haven tells Rob he is a man, and must take care of the farm. It also occurs when Haven allows Rob to go to the Rutland Fair. The theme of death occurs when Pinky dies. The whole Peck family is depressed afterwards. It also takes place when Haven dies, and Rob has to cope with his father's death as well as Pinky's. The theme family come in by showing that everybody in Rob's family supports each other. An example of this is Aunt Matty's eagerness to tutor Rob once she notices he is failing English. She wouldn't do this if she didn't care, but because she was family, she supports him. The theme of Friendship occurs constantly throughout the book, as the bond grows between Rob and Pinky. An example of friendship is how Pinky always follows Rob everywhere. The theme Isolation plays a part once Haven dies. Once Rob's father dies, it dawns on Rob how alone he is. He then learns what it is like to be truly isolated. The theme Acceptance comes in when Pinky dies. The next chapter talks about his father, which sort of puts Pinky to the side. This shows that Rob had accepted the death of his best friend.
Motifs:
A few repeating things that appear throughout the book are Birth and Reproduction, Favors, Death, Religion, and change. This comes up every time Rob sees and experiences something new, such as weaseling a dog. Rob will never be the same after that experience. Also, a drastic change occurred once Rob was told he had to take care of the farm. Rob grew older, and matured. Yet another change occurred when Haven died. Rob's life will never be the same without him, as sad as it sounds. The motif of Birth and Reproduction takes place in the story repeatedly. First, Apron had Bob and Bill, then Rob expected Pinky to have more pigs, and a third example is when Rob grows up and does the work that Haven used to. This shows that even through generations, life goes on. The motif of Favors occurs when Rob helps Apron have the calf. Rob was not obliged to do so, but he did. This shows respect from Rob towards Mr. Tanner. The motif of death shows up when Pinky dies. Death occurs multiple times; when Haven dies, and when Pinky is butchered. The motif Religion occurs whenever Rob references Baptists, and also every time Haven talks about Shakers.
Symbols:
A recurring symbol found throughout the story is friendship. The main (and most obvious) friendship is that between Rob and Pinky. Throughout the story, Rob talks to Pinky, adventures with Pinky, wins a competition with Pinky, and basically grows up with Pinky. Basically, without the friendship between Rob and his pig, this book just wouldn't be the same.
Tone:
The author's tone while writing this book is generally optimistic. There are not many parts where the author speaks wrongly, or sadly about anything but death (which is to be expected). The author overall has a warm, welcome tone through most of the novel.
Mood:
The author made the reader feel warm, and mostly happy through the majority of the book. He reminded the audience of childhood, youth, and ignorance (which is bliss). By doing so, he set a welcoming mood for the reader. Up until the end of the book, where the deaths occur.
A few themes found in the story include coming of age, Family, Friendship, Isolation, Acceptance, and Death. The theme coming of age occurs when Haven tells Rob he is a man, and must take care of the farm. It also occurs when Haven allows Rob to go to the Rutland Fair. The theme of death occurs when Pinky dies. The whole Peck family is depressed afterwards. It also takes place when Haven dies, and Rob has to cope with his father's death as well as Pinky's. The theme family come in by showing that everybody in Rob's family supports each other. An example of this is Aunt Matty's eagerness to tutor Rob once she notices he is failing English. She wouldn't do this if she didn't care, but because she was family, she supports him. The theme of Friendship occurs constantly throughout the book, as the bond grows between Rob and Pinky. An example of friendship is how Pinky always follows Rob everywhere. The theme Isolation plays a part once Haven dies. Once Rob's father dies, it dawns on Rob how alone he is. He then learns what it is like to be truly isolated. The theme Acceptance comes in when Pinky dies. The next chapter talks about his father, which sort of puts Pinky to the side. This shows that Rob had accepted the death of his best friend.
Motifs:
A few repeating things that appear throughout the book are Birth and Reproduction, Favors, Death, Religion, and change. This comes up every time Rob sees and experiences something new, such as weaseling a dog. Rob will never be the same after that experience. Also, a drastic change occurred once Rob was told he had to take care of the farm. Rob grew older, and matured. Yet another change occurred when Haven died. Rob's life will never be the same without him, as sad as it sounds. The motif of Birth and Reproduction takes place in the story repeatedly. First, Apron had Bob and Bill, then Rob expected Pinky to have more pigs, and a third example is when Rob grows up and does the work that Haven used to. This shows that even through generations, life goes on. The motif of Favors occurs when Rob helps Apron have the calf. Rob was not obliged to do so, but he did. This shows respect from Rob towards Mr. Tanner. The motif of death shows up when Pinky dies. Death occurs multiple times; when Haven dies, and when Pinky is butchered. The motif Religion occurs whenever Rob references Baptists, and also every time Haven talks about Shakers.
Symbols:
A recurring symbol found throughout the story is friendship. The main (and most obvious) friendship is that between Rob and Pinky. Throughout the story, Rob talks to Pinky, adventures with Pinky, wins a competition with Pinky, and basically grows up with Pinky. Basically, without the friendship between Rob and his pig, this book just wouldn't be the same.
Tone:
The author's tone while writing this book is generally optimistic. There are not many parts where the author speaks wrongly, or sadly about anything but death (which is to be expected). The author overall has a warm, welcome tone through most of the novel.
Mood:
The author made the reader feel warm, and mostly happy through the majority of the book. He reminded the audience of childhood, youth, and ignorance (which is bliss). By doing so, he set a welcoming mood for the reader. Up until the end of the book, where the deaths occur.