Chapter 5-11

1. What was your reaction to the story of Peter and Pavel and the wolves?

2. What do you think is the main conflict in the book?

3. Do you have any comment on the closing lines of chapter ten on page 67. Is there any significance to the mushrooms?

1. The story of Peter and Pavel was so sad! I felt bad for these men but it gave good background of these two characters. The author used them as a passing glance at one reason some immigrants were here in the States. It's interesting to see the way these brother's had to live after a huge tragedy and to see how difficult it was for them to live after it.

2. I'm beginning to get the feeling that the main conflict in this book is that of the relationship between the poor and rich. Although the Burden family isn't rich, they have enough to survive. Their lives are filled with comfort. The Shimerda family is living in a hole, literally, and the scarcity of food and comfort is great. This family is not well off. Each of these families finds ways tho help each other. The Burden family is so helpful and kind to the Shimerda. It's great.

3. I was confused about the mushrooms but I have a feeling something will come up soon that will help us understand this more.

1. The story of the wolves was a little bit confusing for me, but I think it was they way the author intended it to be. When Antonia mentioned the idea that Pavel had, the first thing I thought was that he was going to throw the bride and groom to the wolves, but I dismissed the thought as horrible and I didn't think it was actually going to happen. When Pavel did in fact throw them to the wolves I was shocked, he seems like such a strange companion for Peter, who is so happy and kind and welcoming.
2. I think Megan's idea of the conflict seems pretty accurate, and there also seems to be a theme of displacement and the effects it can have on different people.
3. I thought that the grandmother's rejection of the mushrooms showed some of her distrust with and discrimination against the immigrant family, I thought this was an interesting side of this character to see. I also feel like the mushrooms are going to come back later in the book.