The Education of Little Tree
Describe granma, granpa, and little tree's different reactions to the situation. How does each of them express their feelings?
question from "Down from the Mountain"
question from "Down from the Mountain"
After the man and woman leave, Granpa is stumped. His hand begins to shake. Little Tree rocks in the rocking chair and says he can double his dictionary words. He can't stop talking or rocking. Granma can only stare at the paper. Little Tree tries to assure his grandparents that the paper is opposite to the truth, that he burdens them and they in no way harden his life. His grandparents don't respond until Little Tree says he can share all he knows about a trade, which most children his age don't have. Granpa says the law being what it is, it's probably better not to mention the trade.
Little Tree sits on Granpa's knee and suggests he hides out with Willow John till the law forgets about him. He also asks what an orphanage is. Granma explains it's a place for children without parents, and that the law would find him at Willow John's. Granpa says they'll go to the settlement to visit Mr. Wine to get his advice. They go to Mr. Wine's apartment above the feed store, but no one answers. They go back to the feed store and ask a man about Mr. Wine. The man tells them that Mr. Wine is dead. Little Tree and Granpa are equally in shock. The man asks Granpa if he's Mr. Wales, and after acknowledgement, pulls out a tow sack.