English Arts Festival

Discussion Board: The Pigman and Me

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 28-Oct-2002 16:17:20 Author: Kolopajlo, Karissa <fh_kkolopajl@seovec.org> Subject: discussion director  If it is okay with everyone I am going to take the role of discussion director again. Here it goes: 1. In what ways does Paul deal with his mother's constant threat to commiting suicide? 2. What do you think inspired Paul to become a children's author? Do you think that the Pigman had anything to do with his decision? 3. What void does Nonno fill in Paul's life? How is this void finally met? 4. How would you compare the Pigman to The Pigman and Me? In what ways are these books similar and different? 5. The appletree plays a large role in the escape for Paul and Jennifer. Do you think that this object was crucial to their development?

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 28-Oct-2002 18:38:03 Author: Guffey, Melissa <tl_mguffey@seovec.org> Subject: Re: discussion director  I wanted to reply to your third question as the director. You could say that Nonno's role in John life is that of many different hats. I believe he acts as the child's friend, role modle, teacher, parent, plays devils advocate, etc. However, the ones that stick out the most are the fact that he plays the role of both a father and a teacher to John. He even says the part about being a father himself, when Nonno takes the time to teach both him and Jennifer how to play baseball. He said most kids get to spend this time with their father, and because he has none, Nonno does fill this gap. I believe Nonno also acts as a role model, teaching things to John in a funny, yet serious manner. Johns sees things in Nonno that he does not see in others. There are things he envies, and hopes to someday be able to do and be himself. Nonno teaches John about life and the importance of learning all you possibly can during your time.

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 28-Oct-2002 18:31:40 Author: Guffey, Melissa <tl_mguffey@seovec.org> Subject: connector  I guess I will try to be the connector this time. The Pigman and Me, I believe, could connect to anyone who has ever gone through adolescents. It is about a child who has to learn from his or her mistakes. It is also about that one person who seems to guide you with your own decisions. In this book, John has all summer to worry about going to school. I can remember, even though I didn't have to move from my town, that going to the Junior High was very scarey. You heard rumors from other kids about being thrown off the hill. You also learned about who the "bullies" were, and who to stay away from. It was a little ironic that John ended up fighting with someone he didn't expect to have a problem with at first. It was also ironic to see that after the boy got his revenge of one, so-called punch, the boy retreated, even though his peers were pressuring him for more. I can remember being in Jr. High, and a High School girl wanting to fight me, for no apparent reason. I recall about the same thing from the book. It was not as intimidating seeing her there as it was the 80 people that had gathered to see her hit me. My circumstances ended a little differently though. I refused to fight her and walked away. When I did leave, she ended up trying to show off and punched the wall. She ended up with a broken hand.

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 28-Oct-2002 18:49:01 Author: Guffey, Melissa <tl_mguffey@seovec.org> Subject: Re: connector  It has been a long day!!! In my entry I wrote John when I meant Paul!! I don't know where John came from!!! Sorry.