Summary
Stephen Fong
This chapter is all about searching for answers. Perry begins this chapter by introducing Jack, a fellow firefighter. Jack was hired by some lake ladies to build a stone wall. While collecting old stone which have slowly come together over the years he discovers a usually bowling ball sized rock which has an imprint of a paw on it. Jack searches for an answer. Finally, Jack accepts the Chicago Field Museum’s claim who state that the rock is approximately two million years old and that the print was from a mammal. Perry then talks about moving back to New Auburn and his yard. He says that there is a lot of “stuff” barrier in his yard. His neighbors in this chapter literally dig for treasures in their yard as well as Perry’s yard with a metal detector, but do not find anything. In conjunction with looking for things, Perry communicates, that we are all searching for a center, to ground ourselves. Perry’s center has two main elements, both an urge to move and discover new things or as his grandfather put it, motion, and to be happy, in one spot, solitude. His ideas of finding a center ultimately bring him to the conclusion of relocation and he decides that he will move once more before settling down long term. He also discusses in this chapter, the simplicity in which he conducts everyday life; suggesting, that even the sewer rod serves a greater purpose to the extent that it can bring about community. At the end of the chapter Perry ties together all of the short stories together by stating that we are always searching for answers and it is within the search that we discover who we truly are.
Discussion LeaderKenzie Hoefs
Q: What is the importance of Jack and his rock? Why did Perry tell us about this?
Our group feels that the story of Jack and the rock hold some type of symbolization in Perry’s life. When reading the small story again it seems to pertain to many parts of his life and how he is constantly searching for himself. Perry uses many stories like this throughout the book that we must try to decipher on our own.
Q: Do you think there is a different reason why Perry moved back to New Auburn? He tells us how he just kind of settled for the house on Main St., why do you think he stays there then?
There seems to be many reasons why Perry stays in the small town of New Auburn. He enjoys the feel of small community bonding and being surrounded by his family. Perry is always willing to help others and he shows this many times in the book. Some people who live in small towns usually enjoy that they know all their neighbors. Perry also enjoys his line of work and New Auburn seems to be the place where he can participate in firefighting and writing without being too distracted. Overall this is where Perry is most comfortable and seems to fit in.
Q: What importance do you feel this chapter has in this book?
This chapter shows that we are always searching for ourselves and where we fit in the best. It shows the journey we all must go through to find ourselves and what a struggle it can be. Eventually if you stick to your true roots you will find where you belong and sometimes return to where you originally were raised. Perry also talks about how we must be comfortable with who we are before we can begin our journey. This chapter and a good majority of the book show that you must be true to yourself and be able to always accept who you are.
Graphic Organizer
Moira Caulfield
Perry lists all of the random objects they found when digging two holes. He discusses the importance of remembering the history of a place before you invade it. I thought this concept was truly central throughout the book. Perry describes small stories that seem frivolous to most readers but all of the small stories are remembering and celebrating the history of different individuals.
Mitchell Cooley
The chapter Penultimate discusses firefighters as our society’s heroes, but my question was how do we decide whose a hero and not. The article What Makes A Hero by Dr. Alex Lickerman takes a psychological look that we celebrate as a hero. The author discuses how we have reward those who put their lives on the line (like firefighters) for us, but also strangely the professional football in our media. This is a great article, in it discusses a subject most people think they know about, but many may not understand.
