TITLE: The Weirdo GRADE LEVEL: 8-9 SUBJECT: Science AUTHOR: Theodore Taylor THEMES: Communication, escalation of violence, perspective, bias, self-esteem and nonviolent response to conflict. SYNOPSIS: Chip Clewt lives with his father deep in a wildlife refuge. He prefers to avoid others due to his extensive scarring from an accident. A biologist studying black bears engages Chip as his assistant. Their time together teaches Chip much about the habitat and wildlife of the swamp while also building his confidence. Samantha Sanders dislikes the swamp and her small-town life. She meets Chip unexpectedly and is drawn to his selfless nature. An old unsolved murder, the biologist’s strange disappearance and the local people’s attitude about the wildlife refuge’s hunting ban bring out Chip and Samantha’s resolve to stand up for their beliefs. Hunting versus conservation is the main conflict, with both viewpoints represented. Inner strength, persistence and respect for nature are emphasized. QUESTIONS AND SUGGESTED ANSWERS Q.How did Samantha’s attitude toward the swamp change as she learned more? A.She initially saw it as bleak and scary, came to see it as alive and interesting. Q.How had Chip been hiding? A.In the hospital for extensive surgery. At his grandparents’ home, having schoolwork brought to him, taking walks only at night. Moving to the swamp. Q.How did Tom Telford help Chip feel more confident? A.Tom was open to conversation. Expected Chip to do a real job and keep up physically. Didn’t treat him as "different." Trusted him with scientific equipment and the responsibility for collecting important data. Broadened his interests. Q.If people weren’t judged by their looks how would our society be different? A.Answers may include observations such as; more caring about each other for who we are; no prejudice; no fear of pimples, obesity, etc.; less time and money spent on appearance. Q?What did Samantha do to stand up to her father? A.She discussed her views with him, defended the trapped bear and spoke up against his side at the community meeting. Q.Did her father see her differently as a result of her stand? A.Yes, eventually he was able to tell her that he was proud of her for standing up to him and speaking out. "You gotta lot ‘o me in you." Q.It seemed there was little support in the community, so what outside help did Chip involve in his efforts to save the bears? A.National Wildlife Conservancy, the media, the government. Q.Did Chip’s speech at the meeting seem to stop the escalation of violent acts against him? A.Yes. Q.What were some of the arguments for hunting? What were some of the arguments against hunting? A.For: bears overpopulated the habitat, raided farms, got in traffic. Hunting a tradition, self-reliant. ?Against: respect for the web of life, killing should not be entertainment, should be proof that bears strain the habitat before approving hunting. Q.How was the decision by the Fish and Wildlife Service a compromise? A.Permitting deer hunting while prohibiting bear hunting. Q.Why do you think Dunnegan sat with the Clewts at the community meeting even though the angry hunters were his customers? A.Showing support to his real friends, deciding not to be neutral after all and quietly expressing his opinion. Q.Chip believed that the bears deserved protection and was willing to come out of hiding to stand up for this belief. What controversial issue do you feel strongly about? A.Answers may vary. Q.Can you describe a scene from a movie or TV show that portrays a nonviolent response to violence? Why do you think violent responses are shown so much more often? A.Answers may vary. Developed by Laura P. Weldon. Reprinted with permission of Peace Grows, Inc.
State Home Page | OCDRCM Home  | The Commission | Updates | Useful Resources For Schools | For Courts and Communities | For State and Local Governments | Write to us