"A Mother in Mannville"

1. Explain why the narrator, or person telling the story, is in the mountains.

2. How long has Jerry lived at the orphanage? How old is he?

3. Jerry becomes more than just a "chore-boy" for the narrator. What else does he do at the cabin?

4.What does Jerry tell the narrator about his mother?

5.What does the narrator’s conversation with Miss Clark at the end of the story reveal?

6. As the story progresses, the narrator and Jerry become more an more like a family. What details suggest this?

7. Many of Marjorie Kinnan Rawling’s stories include animals. Explain how the narrator'’ dog Pat is important to this story. (How do Jerry and Pat get along, and what does this tell you about Jerry?)

8. Explain why the narrator becomes angry when Jerry tells her that he has a mother who lives nearby.

9. Why do you think Jerry made up the story about his mother?

10. The narrator admired Jerry for his honesty. Do you think she changes her mind? How did you feel at the end about him?