Saturday, July 27, 2013

Edgar

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Edgar's first memory is of Almondine checking him out in the crib. How does the narrator know this? What does this fact suggest about Edgar?
The chapter starts with vignettes from Edgar's early years. Are there common threads between any of the stories?
The last vignette ends by telling us that often Almondine runs ahead, and often she is waiting for Edgar. What does that fact suggest?
Edgar's father says that the iron in the ground draws lightning. Tuck this away -- it may become important in explaining how the setting of the novel (the beginning of the Iron Range) is significant...include the facts about hot lightning and cold lightning when you think about this.
Why do you think the author chose not to use quotation marks when Edgar speaks?
Look more into what the Weller Method of predicting tornadoes is all about...if for no other reason, you may just learn something you can use when you make it on the game show Jeopardy.
What does the storm do to inform us about the characters?

66 comments:

Unknown said...

I think the author choose not to use quotation marks when he speaks mostly because Edgar himself isn't speaking, he's signing. It's also a reminder of his problem for us. We are so used to people speaking it's harder for us to remember Edgar can't speak.

When Almondine run's ahead it's to make sure everything's safe for Edgar. She waits for him to make sure he's ok and to check up on him.

Jessica Maras said...

I believe the storm showed us a lot of character qualities. It showed us that Edgar's dad was curious about the storm and wanted to see how it looked. He also cared very deeply about the dogs in the barn and chose to stay with them in case something was to happen so he could help. It revealed that Edgar's mother cared very deeply about both of them and was trying to get them to safety. Also, it showed that Almondine loved Edgar and was trying to keep him safe and make sure he was down there with her. It also gave us a insight on how Edgar was a little curious about the storm too, and rushed out to see it.

I believe the author chose not to use quotation marks because it's sort of from his point of view and the entire book sort of revolves around him. He also uses sign language and the author might not classify that as speaking, which quotation marks normally mean. It's also easier for us to remember that he can't speak.

SeyersMarilyn said...

The author's lack of quotation marks indicates that Edgar can't speak and he wants us to remember that he cannot speak. It is so easy for us to forget so when we see that Edgar is speaking, or signing, we have to remember that he is mute. I think it is also to make us uncomfortable because we are so used to seeing quotation marks and it is a little harder to read (in my opinion). So this can indicate that it is harder for his family to understand what he is saying at times.

Ali Al Momar said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Ali Al Momar said...

The author chooses not use quotation marks to emphasize that Edgar is using sign language rather than really talking. I think it is a good thing that the author didn't use quotation marks because I personally would have forgotten that he can't speak. The storm showed how the father is stubborn and how the mother is cautious and caring.Edgar seems to have a good sense of humor, he teases the mother about being the shortest in the family.

Corbin Leigh :) said...

The fact that Edgar knows Almodine was watching him, suggests that hes a very observant person. He needs to be with his case.

I think that when Almodine runs ahead, it could just be her way of watching out for Edgar. Checking to see what's coming. Making sure there's no obstacle in the way. No life dangering interference.

I think the author chose not to use quotation marks when Edgar speaks because if we're being technical, Edgar isn't really speaking, hes talking. And more or less he could be speacking the words in his mind.

nguyen.john49 said...

No quotation in the novel symbolized the fact that lack of speech (in my opinion).

nguyen.john49 said...

To me the storm symbolized that its a pasting, or advancement. In a sense that people just like storm are pasting by without knowledge of what happening.

Bailee Wills said...

The common things in each of Edgar's memories is that he's with Almondine. She was in his first memory. She was there in his very first memory. She's like his guardian angel.
I think the author doesn't use quotations because Edgar is not speaking. Wroblewski wants to emphasize that Edgar is using sign language because he cannot speak. He wants us to remember that.
The storm shows that Trudy is very cautious and wants to protect her son and her family. She's a little worrisome and takes necessary precautions. Gar, on the other hand, has been through enough at this house that he knows when he absolutely needs to go inside and when he doesn't. He's calm and collected. He doesn't worry about the weather.

Morgan McCullough said...

Each of Edgar's memories include the dogs. The dogs play a role in helping him overcome his muteness and be able to communicate with others. We know the dogs (particularly Almondine) are special because according to the vignette at the doctor's office with the deaf man, at age 4 Edgar can sign extremely well and communicate with the dogs.
In the last vignette when Almondine runs ahead and then waits for Edgar, it emphasizes further that she cares for him and his safety. Perhaps she is running ahead to make sure everything is safe and then allowing him to catch up.

Hannah Kochendoerfer said...

The author chooses not to use quotations when Edgar speaks because Edgar is not actually speaking. Edgar cannot speak, therefore he uses sign to communicate with others. Likewise, when Edgar’s parents are talking the author uses quotes, but when they sign back to Edgar the author does not quote their speech.

Karlyn Manera said...

Edgar’s first memory is of Almondine. The narrator knows this because he describes the nose and fur of the canine. The chapter describes Edgar’s childhood and how Almondine helped him when needed and how she never left Edgar for long. I found this chapter a great reminder that Edgar is not deaf, but silent, and that he can hear perfectly. Almondine is with Edgar at every moment throughout the novel as Edgar grows up, so it makes sense that his first memory is of his protector… his other half, if you will.

I believe that the narrator chose not to use quotation marks for Edgar was to make a point and as a reminder. Quotations are used when a character speaks. Edgar uses sign language because he cannot speak, therefore the narrator doesn’t need to use quotations. Also, if quotations were used for Edgar, we might forget throughout reading the novel that Edgar is silent. Without the use of quotations, we are reminded every time Edgar ‘speaks’ that he is using sign.

Unknown said...

The author did not use quotation marks because Edgar is not speaking with his mouth, he is speaking with his hands. When Edgar is signing with the deaf man he makes a sign summoning Almondine, telling us that Edgar and his dog have a special way of communicating. The storm informs us that Gar is naturally curious and likes to stand out and watch the storm, even if it is dangerous. Edgar is also curious but is forced to stay inside by Trudy and even Almondine. Trudy and Almondine are the protectors of the family, they watch over Edgar and make sure everybody is safe.

Emily Woods said...

These early memories of Almondine checking up on Edgar in his crib is really important because it shows how close they are going to be. Almondine understands Edgar better than anyone else sometimes, and thats important that Edgar has a friend like that. That friend might be a dog, but sometimes those are the best kind. Mans best friend...

Abby Almomar said...

Dogs are a very important part of Edgar’s life. He is always with them and they are his best friends. Each story from his early years includes dogs, especially Almondine. I thought it was adorable when Edgar wanted to read the Winnie the Pooh story to the puppies. The reader can tell from these vignettes that Edgar is getting much better at using signs and communicating. Even when Edgar goes to the doctor he mentions Almondine. It is quite remarkable that Edgar can converse with Almondine with special signs. She is a really smart dog! I was worried that the huge storm would destroy the barn with all of the dogs in it. Thank goodness no people or animals got hurt. The storm showed how much Edgar’s father cares about the dogs because he stayed outside by the barn.

Jessica Duran said...

Edgar being able to remember that indicates a good memory. He sees more with his eyes than normal people. They say when one of your senses doesn't work your other ones become better. Like if you cant see you basically depend on your hearing and touch to see things your own way.

When Almondine runs ahead of Edgar it shows her protective side of him. She's aware of her surroundings and is always looking for Edgar's commands and always looking out for him.

Ali Baker said...

Dogs are incredibly important to the Sawtelle family and they are like little kids to Trudy and Gar! Almondine is Edgar's best friend! She is always there for him and I believe she is a very smart dog. She acts as if she is his protector and she doesn't let anything happen to him. I don't know why but I have a feeling something bad is going to happen to Almondine... I hope not! (:
The author chooses not to put quotes around the things Edgar says because he really wants the reader to understand that there is no sound coming from his mouth! He is just using his hands. Edgar is ridiculously smart to be able to communicate so much through sign language at such a young age. I am amazed how he even can sign to Almondine!

Heather Matthews said...

I think the author chose to not use quotation marks when Edgar speaks because he technically is not speaking. He is using his hands in different motions to express himself. Sign is an action so there would be no need to put what Edgar is saying in quotations. I also think the author does this as a reminder that Edgar is mute.

The fact that Almondine runs ahead and then waits for Edgar suggest that she will be there for him in the future. She will always be there for Edgar even when no one else is. It is also suggesting that even if Almondine is not by Edgar's side she will always be there to guide him. She is Edgar's guardian in life.

Unknown said...

The common threads in all these stories is Almondine is in every single memory. She is even in his very first memory. I think Almondine is Edgar's protector in a way. She is always there making sure he is alive and well. For example, she will listen to him make different breathing patterns and she will alert his mother so she can tend to her child.
I think when Almondine runs ahead and waits for Edgar to catch up, she is going to the front to make sure everything is safe then she waits for him to catch up and repeats that process. She is scoping out the area before letting him continue on. She is Edgar's bodyguard, his protector, his guardian angel.

Haley Barr said...

I honestly thought while reading the first few parts that the author had made some grammatical errors. Once I realized he was leaving the quotes out on purpose, I actually started creating the image in my head of Edgar signing his words. I felt like this was really cool and unique way to help readers grasp Edgar’s character. It definitely helped me imagine a little more of how Edgar had to ‘speak’ his words. As we know now, Edgar is mute. It makes a lot of sense that he did not add the quotes because really, Edgar isn’t using his voice to communicate.

Austin Vc said...

Why do you think the author chose not to use quotation marks when Edgar speaks?
I believe this is because they are not being directly spoken by Edgar. He is signing and thinking. This gives more depth to character development showing that his lack of verbal communication is a very important key factor of the story. This may have caused a little confusion as to be honest i had to double check when I read this, I did not pick up on it right away.

Unknown said...

The narrator is omniscience; therefore, they know everything that essential to the story. This suggests that he has a deep connection with Almondine. This shows that even if Egdar can't see Almondine, he knows she will always be waiting for him somewhere.Egdar never makes a sound, so he isn't actually saying anything so the author does not use quotation marks. This could also foreshadow Edgar speaking in the future...

Anonymous said...

The vignettes in the beginning of the chapter have many repeating elements within them. Each one either features his parents, the dogs, or both, and each passing episode seems to depict another element of growth. His ability to communicate nonverbally becomes more prevalent over time, but his condition is never truly identified.

When Edgar communicates, I feel that the author chooses not to enclose Edgar’s dialogue in quotation marks to remind readers that he is not actually using his voice. Personally, when I read dialogue in a book, I generally try to “hear” what the characters would sound like. The pitch, volume, and rhythm of a character’s voice helps to create a clearer image of that character. If Edgar’s dialogue had been in quotations, I would have likely created a voice for Edgar by mistake. Also, Edgar is not the only character who can sign; his parents communicate to him through both sign and verbal language. The exclusion of quotation marks around the bits of sign language allow for clear distinction between what is spoken and what is signed.

KaylaTracy said...

The fact that Edgar remembers Almondine checking him out in the crib suggests that he and Almondine have had a strong connection since he was very little. The common thread between all of Edgar's stories is Almondine which shows that they are always together and that they do have a connection. I think the author chose not to put Edgar speaking in quotation marks because he isn't really speaking he is using his hands. I also think that the author wanted to make sure that the readers remember that he can't speak like all of us, and uses the quotation marks to differentiate between them.

Ashlie Heller said...

The narrator knows about Almondine checking on Edgar in his crib because the narrator is omniscient. The fact that Edgar remembers that memory shows how strong his bond with Almondine is. Quotation marks are usually used when someone is speaking. Edgar uses sign language to communicate because he cannot speak. Since Edgar isn't actually speaking the author doesn't use quotation marks.

Kim Shomo said...

The lack of quotation marks when Edgar speaks is because he's speaking with his hands and not with his mouth. This then doesn't classify with the normal and he creates his own way of showing it. I also think that it is a way to remind us that Edgar cannot speak since he is mute. It's sometimes a has to read without the quotation marks, but it brings a unique quality to the story in a whole.

Almondine is extremely important to the story because Edgar grew up with her since birth. Dogs in general serve a great important to the story line. The whole family enjoys dogs and their loyalty, a sting trait within the family. They admire how brave and loyal a dog is and want to keep it a strong quality within the family.

Emily Meyer said...

The fact Edgar's first memory is of Almondine highlights the tight bond the two have between them. Edgar knows Almondine as a protector of sorts. All of the stories from Edgar's early years deal with him signing to the pups, or signing to the deaf man. Almondine likes to be ahead of Edgar, and I feel this is her way of protecting him and making sure he doesn't go anywhere dangerous. I think the author chose not to use quotation marks when Edgar speaks because he is making no sound. The storm informs us that Edgar's mother is cautious, while his father is courageous.

caitiejohnson said...

Almondine follows and watches over Edgar, she is his protector. Since Edgar’s birth Almondine took on the duty of being his companion. Edgar is a smart child, he observes and takes everything in. I feel that Wroblewski chose not to use quotation marks for Edgar because what makes Edgar unique is the fact that he cannot physically speak. I think he doesn’t want us to forget that Edgar can’t talk, and if he used quotation marks it wouldn’t remind us that Edgars mute.

Anonymous said...

Since Edgar is very young at this time, these small stories must be his strongest memories. Some of these memories seem ordinary, like his mother carrying him in the barn. Some are strong, like being stung by bees or meeting the deaf man. Many of these memories involve dogs, his father looking at a pedigree, reading to the puppies, or watching a dog be put to sleep. Almondine is also in many of these memories. She is in his first memory, which is all about her. She is present when he is hurt and plays games with him. From all these memories, it is clear that Edgar will grow up caring for the dogs and that Almondine is his closest companion. We also learn that Edgar’s mother and father care about him deeply.

Olivia Villarreal said...

Edgar's earliest memory is of Almondine sniffing him. Most of his major memories from infancy and early childhood revolve around dogs in one way or another. Edgar watches over the litters of puppies, and creates names for them in his mind. She acts as his protector. In earlier chapters, Almondine, using her stronger senses, believes something is going to happen in the house, but no matter how hard she looks, can never figure out what is going on. Through her investigations, discovers that Edgar cannot speak or make any sounds at all. Almondine realizes that this is what has been bothering her. She stands by Edgar as his protector, friend, and interpreter in a world he cannot communicate with.

Lauren Kuhn said...

At first when I was reading I didn't notice that Edgar's speech wasn't in quotes. As I continued to read, however, I began to notice it and believe it was done because Edgar doesn't actually speak. Since Edgar used signs rather than speech he technically doesn't have any dialog, therefore, quotes aren't necessary. The storm informs us of many things about the characters. It shows us that Gar cares immensely about his dogs by staying with them during the storm. It also shows us that he is more daring than other characters, such as his wife. It shows us that Trudy is more cautious than Gar and cares more about her family’s safety than the dogs.

Michael Pisanti said...

When Almondine checks Edgar out in the crib, it shows the reader that a new bond between Edgar and Almondine was formed. As we continue reading, we find that the bond grows stronger and Edgar and Almondine are always together. Almondine can understand any sign Edgar shows her and she "listens" to every sign he makes. The storm informs us a different thing about each character. It shows that the mother is smart because when the television goes out, she sends Edgar downstairs. It also shows that the father is curious. He stays outside to watch the storm. Also he cares deeply about his dogs. During this scene it reminded me of a captain and his ship because the captain always goes down with his ship. The author doesn't put quotation marks around Edgar's speech because he really isn't speaking, he only uses sign.

Megan Jeffries said...

I think the author chose not to use quotation marks because he isn't exactly speaking, he is signing. It shows what he wants to say, but he doesn't verbally say it.
I think the storm shows how caring all of the characters are. The father knows his family is safe in the basement, so he wants to stand outside the barn. This shows that he cares deeply for the dogs, and wants to be there in case anything happens to them so he can help. The mother cares for the family, and gets frustrated when her husband chose to stay outside. She is afraid something will happen to him. Almondine wants to make sure Edgar gets to safety because she loves him, and watches out for him.

Hannah Duschl said...

Edgar's first memory of Almondine shows that ever since he was born he has loved dogs. Almondine is Edgar's bestfriend and goes with him everywhere. I believe the dog and Edgar share the disability of not being able to speak, but they both equally understand the world around them. I assume spending so much time together gives them the ability to understand each others feelings by just body language.

Taylor Watkins said...

I believe the author chose not to use quotation marks was because Edgar didn't actually speak, but signed it. It's a reminder to us that he still isn't speaking, but he's trying to communicate. Edgar's first memory of Almondine watching him in the crib suggests he has always had a bond to her. Almondine has been with Edgar throughout his life, and she has made a large impact on him. I believe having Almondine gave Edgar his love for dogs.

Although a sever storm was happening, Gar chose to stay outside to watch the dogs. It showed how much he cares for the dogs. Trudy wanted her husband inside, not outside with the storm. This showed that she cared more for her family than the dogs (not saying it like it's a bad thing). She wants her family to be safe.

Anonymous said...

I think that the storm tells us how much Edgar's father cares not only for his dogs but also his family. He is shown as being somewhat brave; standing on the porch during the storm. The storm also shows that Edgars mother cares very much for their safety.

I think that the author chose not use quotation marks when Edgar speaks because the book basically revolves around him and I also think that it makes Edgars inability to speak more real for the reader.

Anna Parrish said...

Not using quotation marks on Edgar's signing is a way of stopping the reader.For the reader has to go back and realize the first time that Edgar is "speaking",but he is speaking in sign language. I believe it was a very good idea to not use quotation marks on Edgar's parts of the conversations. It's one thing to say in a book that a person can't talk, but to not use quotation marks reminds the reader of this each time Edgar has a part in a conversation.

Shiloh Jackson said...

The author does not use quotation marks when Edgar is speaking because everything that is in the book is Edgar's thoughts or personal opinions. He never actually speaks because he is mute. His thoughts are never actually expressed, except to himself internally. It was discovered in infancy that Edgar did not have the ability to communicate his feelings.

Hannah Phillips said...

I think the author chooses not to put quotation marks around Edgar's speech because Edgar is not speaking, he is signing. I think it is one of the ways that the author shows the difference between Edgar and the other characters in the story. It also shows the difference when other characters sign. When Edgar's mom signs the author does not use quotation marks either. I think it is just the author's way showing Edgar's speech.

Unknown said...

Since Edgar cannot speak, there is no need for quotation marks. We get a personal look at him by sort of being in his mind. We see things from his point of view.

trentreynolds said...

The fact that Edgar remembers Almondine checking him out in the crib suggests that they had a strong connection since Edgar was very little. The common thread between all of Edgar's stories is Almondine, Edgar and Almondine are always together and that is the connection. I think the author chose not to put Edgar speaking in quotation marks because he isn't really speaking he is singing. I also think that the author wanted to make sure that the readers remember that he can't speak like everyone else, and uses quotation marks to differentiate between them.

trentreynolds said...

The fact that Edgar remembers Almondine checking him out in the crib suggests that they had a strong connection since Edgar was very little. The common thread between all of Edgar's stories is Almondine, Edgar and Almondine are always together and that is the connection. I think the author chose not to put Edgar speaking in quotation marks because he isn't really speaking he is singing. I also think that the author wanted to make sure that the readers remember that he can't speak like everyone else, and uses quotation marks to differentiate between them.

Mackenzie Wegener said...

The reason the writer chose not to use quotation marks when Edgar talks is because he really can’t talk. Without quotation marks it may be confusing but it reinforces the fact that Edgar is unable to speak, although he can use sign language.
As I looked into the Weller method I found some interesting facts about how storms were predicted. In the late 1960s, TVs only had a few channels therefore one would turn the station and if the screen went white that would mean a storm or tornado was close by. Newton Weller proposed this idea “Tornado TV… Just tune to channel 2. If it turns up white, head for the celler! The Weller Method system, which could be used anywhere, was considered on of the most dramatic breakthroughs in weather forecasting. Newton Weller discovered that the 55 megacycle band (Channel 2) was the nearest television had to the electrical frequency of the pulse of a tornado. The pulse generator was a spiraling force of lightning revolving around a vacuum core, which turned Channel 2 white.” (Mechanics magazine in March 1999 (30 years back).

Megan Waite said...

Edgar's first memory of Almondine checking him out shows just how curious Edgar was from the very start. I also think this shows the close relationship Edgar and Almondine have right off the bat. This memory really portrays the beginning of a close and loving relationship between the two of them.
I think the author chose not to use quotation marks when Edgar speaks to really emphasize the fact that he's actually using sign language instead. I think it reminds the reader that too, because with them I personally would have been a little confused. I think it really makes the reader pay attention to what Edgar has to "say".

Jack Nachtrab said...

Edgar's first memory shows the relationship and connection he had with Almondine right at the beginning. They care about each other and it is shown through their actions. Almondine always runs ahead as if clearing the way and checking to make sure everything is safe for Edgar. She completely understands him even though he can't speak and she is like a third parent.
The author chose not to use quotes around Edgar's signs because he doesn't speak and he really wants to show the separation between talking and signing.

Meg Perry said...

The author chooses not to use quotation marks because Edgar is not actually speaking. He uses sign language and by not using quotation marks, it reminds the reader that he is mute. Almondine feels her duty is to protect Edgar. She runs ahead of him and waits for him to make sure he is okay and safe.

Natalie Ostas said...

I think the author doesn't use quotation marks when Edgar speaks because he doesn't technically speak, he uses sign language. I wish he would use quotation marks because it's sometimes difficult to tell when Edgar speaks.
The storm tells us that Gar really likes storms but that also he will do anything to protect the dogs. Gar stayed by/in the barn during the storm. I think he did this not only to watch the storm but to reassure the dogs. Trudy is very protective of her family and would want them all together in a case of emergency. Edgar seems like a little risk taker when he asks to go get his father from the barn. Almondine really likes to be at Edgar's side and I see her as a second mother to him.

Erika Kackmeister said...

I think when Almondine runs ahead of Edgar, it means that she is always with him but kind of brings him forward. She pushes him to keep going and going because she is up there. She is waiting for Edgar to follow her in life and trust her. She is waiting for him to catch up to where she is in life.
I think the author chose to not use quotations when Edgar speaks because he is mute. It shows that he can communicate without speech. Quotes indicate speaking while Edgar doesn't speak, he communicates. This shows that Edgar is different but also can talk like everyone else.

Tyler Benore said...

The first memory that Edgar can remember is almondine and that shows the strong bond of friendship that the two share. The storm ends up demonstrating many traits of the sawtelles. it show that Mr sawtelle is very relax during stressful times, it also shows his love for the dogs. Edgar seems nervous and scsred for almondine and his father, but he is relaxed about his saftey. Mrs sawtelle is very antsy and nervous, this mosty shows that she cares so much for her family

Abbey Oswald said...

I think the author does not use quotation marks when Edgar talks because he is speaking, but not through his mouth, only with his hands, so it's not verbally coming from his mouth.
What the storm shows about the characters is the ways they act. Mrs. Sawtelle is more anxious and cautious, whereas Mr. Sawtelle is a little more mello and not as nervous about things. Edgar is a little more like his mom though, he is more anxious and nervous when it comes to things.

Jessica Kreger said...

The fact that Edgar first remembers Almondine shows the relationship they have. Almondine is Edgar's best friend. They do everything together. Almondine is a very smart dog. They have a very close bond and they can communicate easily even though neither of them can talk. They understand each other like they are one. The fact that Almondine runs ahead but always stops to wait for Edgar shows that Almondine will never leave Edgar behind. I wish I had a relationship like that with my dog!
The storm shows how much Gar is concerned about the dogs. He wants to protect them. It also shows that Trudy cares a lot about her family and wants to keep them safe. Almondine is right by Edgar's side to make sure nothing happens to him.

Hannah Foreman said...

Edgar's first memory being Almondine shows how strong the bond between the two of them is. Almondine is very protective and cautious when it comes to Edgar. I think that Almondine always runs ahead of Edgar to watch him while he makes his way toward her.

The author didn't quote Edgar's words because Edgar isn't actually speaking. Edgar uses sign to communicate so he never uses any words for the author to put quotes around.

Leanne P. said...

Not using Quotation marks when Edgar speaks is a reminder to the reader that he is never actually speaking because he's a mute.

Edgar and Almondine's relationship is a strong bond that could never be broken and the author is just trying to show how close they are to each other. His first memory being Almondine shows that the two are close, Almondine is very protective, and that Edgar really loves and relies on Almondine.

Unknown said...

I think the author chose not to use quotation marks when Edgar spoke because, technically, he was not speaking; he was signing. I think that if the author had chosen to use quotation marks, it would have made it seem like Edgar was actually speaking when he was signing and the use of no quotation marks really made this stand out and make the reader think. I think Almondine always running a head and waiting for Edgar suggests that she is like a guardian to him and watches over his path but stays a head of him to almost guide him to keep him moving forward.

Alex Wallace said...

The vignettes have repeating elements in them in the form of Edgar's parents and dogs. There is also a hint of growth and development throughout the memories. In the last vignette we see how Almondine runs ahead and waits for Edgar and it suggests a few things. The first is that Almondine cares enough about Edgar to wait for him and look out out for him and second is that Edgar can communicate really well with Almondine. They can tell what is going on with the other one and they know how to signal each other.

Jake Myers said...

I found the lack of quotation marks for Edgar's dialogue interesting. It makes sense when you think about it as Edgar doesn't speak audibly. It was unique, though I often mistook Edgar's dialogue for narration.

I find Almondine an interesting character (if dog's can be considered characters). She is the only dog that lives in the house and not the barn, though it wasn't revealed why. Also, she seems to be Edgar's only friend and can understand him better than most. She seems very protective over him and never leaves his side.

Unknown said...

The fact that Edgar's first memory was Almondine checking him out in the crib shows that he is very connected with dogs. The fact that Almondine runs ahead but waits for Oskar truly shows how much she cares about him. I felt like she is his second mother. I think the reason why the author didn't quote Edgar is because he wasn't actually speaking, he was signing. I liked the effect it gave. I really admire Almondine as a character and I feel like she is more intelligent than the other dogs.

Nick Hoskins said...

The narrator knows this because they know everything since they are narrating from a third person omniscient point of view. His memory also suggests that Edgar has a strong connection to Almondine. There are two common threads between the stories: his parents, and the dogs. The author may have chosen not to include quotation marks when Edgar speaks because he doesn't actually speak, he signs. The storm informs us that Edgar's mother doesn't like to take chances, whereas his father doesn't really care what happens.

Elizabeth Palmer said...

The narrator knows this because it's a third person point of view so they pretty much know everything about what is going on. This shows that Edgar will be very close to Almondine and that they will form a very close bond. In the last vignette it suggest that Almondine runs ahead and waits for Edgar because she wants to make sure that he is ok.

mariah bellino said...

the author doesn't put quotation marks around what Edgar says because, he didn't speak words out loud- he signs. Edgar is always with his dog, almondine and he has a very strong connection with him. almondine has a lot of love and care for Edgar because she waits for him.

Mia Stroud said...

Edgar's first memory being Almondine checking him out in the crib shows how strong their connection was from the start.Almondine is definitely Edgar's best friend. She will always be there to help him. Almondine is very protective over Edgar and she always watches out for him. She runs out in front of Edgar for that same reason. Although neither of them can speak they seem to be able to communicate very well. the author chose not to put quotation marks when Edgar speaks because he is not actually speaking. He is using sign.

Samuel Ansara said...

Almondine runs ahead of Edgar because she looks out after him. Almondine really cares about Edgar and protects him. I think by her running ahead of him she's able to make sure he is safe and nothing happens to him.

I think the authoer doesn't use quotation marks when Edgar speaks is because Edgar literally isn't speaking. Edgar doesn't speak he signs. I think the author does this to avoid confusion, and to make it realistic with the story.

Mallorie Sampson said...

Each one of Edgar's early memories involve Almondine his dog. The fact that he really cares about her and even Almondine is always protecting him from danger or looking after him. I think the author chose not to use quotation marks when Edgar is speaking is because he is not actually speaking, he is signing. And without the quotation marks you don't actually think that he is talking. It just reminds you that he doesn't speak.

Sarah Balazs said...

The most common things in all of Edgar's memories is Almondine with Edgar. She was in his very first memory.
The author does not use quotations because Edgar is not speaking; he is saying what the author wants him to say.

Tara F. said...

I found it very interesting that Wroblewski does not use quotation marks when Edgar is signing. Whenever this occurs, sound cannot be heard, but a conversation is being held. The author does not use quotations to add a unique twist to the novel. I enjoy reading with and without the quotations because it breaks up the monotony of the conversations, and allows me to imagine a mental picture of Edgar and whomever he is speaking with.
As the storm is approaching, an example of Gar’s determined and knowledgeable character is revealed. However, Trudy is not as curious as Gar is. She fears the worst and takes action. At this point in Edgar’s life, he follows the directions of the adult he is with. Sooner or later, he will be forced to make them on his own.

emilie easton said...

Almondine runs ahead of Edgar because she wants to make sure he is on a safe path seeing as she cares about him. Also, it shows how well Almondine knows her master and how she is always one step ahead of him.
I agree with the first commentator when it comes to the quotation situation of Edgar. I believe that the author gave Edgar no quotations because the author also gave Edgar no voice. The lack of quotation marks is also a creative form of a reminder. Edgar communicates so well that it is easy for the reader to forget that he is mute. Thus, the lack of quotation marks is a helpful reminder that Edgar is mute.Overall, I thought omitting Edgar's quotation marks was a wuite creative tactic.