Discussion Director

Section 3

On page 46, Adam refers Mr. Penny as "the White Rabbit, late, always late, checking his watch, repairing his clocks.  Late, late, late, and hurry, hurry, hurry."  Who is Adam referring to by "the White Rabbit" and why does he do that?

Adam refers Mr. Penny to the "White Rabbit" from Alice in Wonderland.  In Alice in Wonderland the rabbit is always checking his watch thinking he is late.  Mr. Penny was a clock repairman before he retired.

There are other literary connections in this section.  What are two more pieces of literature referred to in this section and why?

Rip Van Winkle is mentioned to compare Rip Van Winkle to Adam.  Rip Van Winkle slept for many years and woke up to a "strange" place.  Adam has been away for many years and has came home to a "strange" place.
5 Little Pigs is mentioned to compare Nancy and Janet to the fifth little pig going "wee, wee, wee, all the way home."

What is Adam's big secret and why can't he tell anyone else?

Adam's big secret is that he can tell you the day of the week a day fell on back in time.  He don't want to tell anyone because his mother tells him it is a circus trick and it is embarrassing to the family.