CHAPTER 4

Synopsis
 Richard is thrilled to receive a letter from a famous poet. Joyce Kilmer letter to Richard consists simple answer
and advice. He encourages him to pursue his poetic dreams with courage and confidence. He invites
Richard to write again and send him one of his poem.
 Richard shares his letter with his family during dinner. He tries to be braved to share about his poems writing
but he was disappointed because they do not know Joyce Kilmer. Pa was surprise when Richard told him he
writes poem, but he did not interested to read them. So do Gus and Angie.
 Richard went to his room to reply Mr Kilmer’s letter. Gus comes to the room and teases Richard on his sissy
poems. Gus also advises him to try to fit in with his friends.
 Next morning, Richard goes to see Mrs Hansen to tell her about the letter. She is very impressed. Richard
shows her a few of his favourite poems and helps she to select one to send to Mr. Kilmer. Mrs Hansen
encourages him to share the letter to the class but Richard does not ready yet.
 Richard meets Hannah right after he comes out from Mrs Hansen’s room. She apologies to Richard for her
rudeness last time they met. She also shares her feeling ang prooblems with Richard. Richard climbs the oak
tree again and sees the train with a load of merry soldiers on their way to war. Richard is sad thinking about
Mr Kilmer and Otto, Hannah’s brother.
Themes

 Family love
Gus love Richard as a brother, he advised him to fitting in with community
so he will not be isolated by them (pg 49)

 The challenges of growing up

The talented and perceptive Richard has doubts about his hidden peotic
talent. It makes him an oddball (pg 49)
 HANNAH SCHERMERS
RICHARD KNIGHT A patient person
A brave person Still strong even her tavern had
Characters and characteristics
Tells his family about his passion in
poetry. (pg 46)
been vandalized.
Appreciative
A kind person Thanked Richard for sending her the
He wrote a sympathy card for sympathy card. (pg 52)
Hannah. (pg 52) A caring person
An open minded person (pg 52) She worried about her brother who
is going to the army. (pg 54)

MRS. HANSEN MR. KILMER

Supportive Helpful
Urges Richard to read his poem in Give Richard advice and
front of the class. (pg 51 P5) motivation through letter.
Setting

PLACE
 Richard’s bedroom
 Mrs. Hansen’s room

SOCIAL
Upper middle class (teacher)
TIME
 Dinner
 After school time
 Moral value

PATRIOTISM
Otto Schermer joined the American Expeditionary, born right here in America.

FRIENDSHIP
Richard received moral support and encouragement from Joyce Kilmer.

CARING
The Knight and The Schermers care about themselves and worry about each other’s
safety.
 ANY
QUESTION??
QUESTION
 Where Richard reads the letter?

 When Richard tells his family about the letter?

 Why Gus hated poetry?

 Who motivated Richard to be brave with his talent?

 What themes to this chapter?