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What is the purpose of adding the encounter of Sandy Jenkins? Did Jenkins really help Douglass? I think the purpose of adding Sandy Jenkins to the story was to help Douglass return to Mr. Covey’s ranch. Sandy gave Douglass a root that was supposed to make him invincible to any white man trying to whip him. I know that this wasn’t true, but it gave Douglass the courage to go back to Covey’s ranch. I think that Sandy really helped Douglass go back to the ranch and stand up to Mr. Covey.

Why does Tom leave? Was he justified? Were there other alternatives? Tom left because he felt like he needed a happier life instead of staying at home and taking care of his sister. I thought this since Tom would always have an excuse to leave the house whenever things got tough around the house, for example, when Tom and Amanda would get in an argument. He was justified because he was trying to seek out a better life for himself. One of his alternatives was he could probably take Laura with him and they could live together, and they wouldn’t have to do everything that Amanda commands them to do.

I would like a response that shows more thought and knowledge of the play. Be more specific when you say "happier life." What does he want? Use some of his words and actions to support your response. Mrs. S 

I agree with this response because Tom was always trying to find a way to escape the reality of his own life whether it be drinking or just going to a movie. He used those things to imagine what his life would be in someone elses shoes. **Josh Spence**

I believe that Tom was justified in leaving. Amanda and Laura depended on Tom as the father figure, when really he was only a son/brother. Tom needed to be on his own so he could choose his own path, even though it may have hurt his sister and mother in the long run. The only other alternative was for him to stay with Amanda and Laura and be miserable which made him unhappy and inevitably causes the fighting and stressed in the house. ~Elisabeth Stewart

I think that tom wanted to leave because he needed to be able to choose something he is passionate in and not be held back because of his sister and mother. Even if Tom doesn’t do anything right away he still has that opportunity to. His responsibilities now are him and his life’s path. Even though he is said that he left Laura, it was for the best. Hillary Forster.

Kellie D- I think he left because Tom always has to play the role of his father who had left and he can’t deal with all of the pressure so he left, too. He was never happy when he was at home.

Kevin MacMunn (i don't have a page)

I am Holden

Son of - disappointed and caring parents (Mr. and Mrs. Caulfield) Brother of - caring Phoebe, writer D.B., and Allie who passed away Who needs - a friend, cigarettes, and some goals Who loves - Phoebe, Allie, and himself Who sees - a shrink, snow, and alcohol Who hates - phonies, actors, and school Who fears - fights, failure, disappointment Who dreams - moving west, being isolated, being happy Who wonders - what people think of him, about the future, where the ducks go in the winter Resident of - Ney York, NY a crowded environment

Caulfield