The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

Chapters 1-7

Reading Check

1. The stars (Chapter 1)

2. The Queen Mary (Chapter 3)

3. A warthog (Chapter 4)

Short Answer

1. Edward has a high opinion of himself. He believes he is an “exceptional specimen.” For example, when Abilene leaves for school, Edward enjoys looking at his reflection in the window all day. His design may be unique in that his china body parts are jointed with wire, so he is able to move freely if positioned by someone else, and he has a real rabbit fur tail. Additionally, Edward, though unable to move, is able to think for himself. (Chapter 1)

2. Edward is described as having a plethora of clothing and his own pocket watch. He was handmade for Abilene by Pellegrina. Edward’s numerous items and treatment may indicate that he is owned by a wealthy family. (Chapter 1)

3. Edward does not like being characterized as an inanimate object. In one instance a maid places Edward on a shelf next to dolls referring to him as a “bunny.” Edward believes the name is derogatory and is incensed that the maid would treat him as though he were an object like a bowl or a teapot. Later, Edward complains inwardly about Abilene’s lack of care when handling him as it may wrinkle his clothing. (Chapter 2)

4. Pellegrina describes the princess as someone who is obsessed with her appearance and has no love. Edward, not fully understanding the comparison Pellegrina is making to himself, decides to focus on the description of the lovely princess instead of the consequences of her actions. This reflection reinforces Edward’s preoccupation with his appearance and points to his potential fate if he does not learn to love. (Various chapters)

Chapters 8-15

Reading Check

1. Susanna (Chapter 8)

2. In the trash (Chapter 10)

3. Bull (Chapter 12)

4. A scarecrow (Chapter 15)

Short Answer

1. Nellie, not realizing Edward is a boy, dresses him as a girl and calls him Susanna. She makes Edward new outfits that Edward describes as simple and plain. Edward resigns himself to his fate with Nellie, realizing he is better off in her care than he would be had he remained on the ocean floor. Edward’s change in attitude from entitlement to resignation, and finally appreciation, comes from his harsh experience on the ocean floor being unable to look at anything as his face was buried in the muck. (Various chapters)

2. Edward enjoys Nellie’s stories while he describes Abilene’s as pointless and boring. One possible reason for Edward’s dislike of Abilene’s stories may be her age in comparison to the older Nellie who has more life experience. The differences in the stories may also be a result of Edward’s changing heart as he learns to feel love toward other people. (Chapter 9)

3. Edward describes his experience beneath trash at the dump as being different because it feels worse than when he was stranded on the ocean floor. He is uncertain as to why it is different exactly, but he now understands the witch turned the princess into a warthog because of her lack of love. It is implied that because Edward misses Nellie and Lawrence, he has begun to feel what love is for the first time and those feelings make it difficult to be isolated in the garbage dump. (Chapter 11)

4. The first mention of a dog occurs when Edward is grabbed by a dog in Abilene’s home and jerked about. Lucy later uncovers Edward from the garbage dump and carries him with her mouth. Up to this point, Edward has not had enjoyable experiences with dogs which probably accounts for his surprise at liking Lucy. Edward’s shift toward Lucy occurs when the dog snuggles next to him as the dog sleeps. Edward, with his growing understanding of love, begins to care for Lucy. (Various chapters)

5. At the beginning of the novel, Edward is continually preoccupied by himself and his own appearance. This begins to change as he lives with Nellie and is dressed as a girl. Edward further gains a reputation as a good listener when the unhoused people tell him their tragic stories. Edward’s attention shifts from his own comfort and appearance to the stories of those around him. (Various chapters)

Chapters 16-22

Reading Check

1. Sarah Ruth (Chapter 17)

2. Jangles (Chapter 17)

3. Pellegrina (Chapter 20)

4. Neal (Chapter 21)

Short Answer

1. Bryce’s description indicates that he does not have a good home life. He explains that his father drinks heavily and smashed Sarah Ruth’s doll. The father callously said Sarah Ruth isn’t going to live, so there is no need to buy her a new china doll. Upon arriving to the house, the narrator describes it as small where only two beds and a lamp can fit inside. Later, Bryce’s father slaps him for talking back, indicating the father is also abusive. (Various chapters)

2. Bryce decides to take Edward to Memphis after Sarah Ruth dies. Bryce presumably takes Edward as a memento of his sister and to comfort him on his journey. (Various chapters)

3. Edward describes his feelings as the same as they were when he was a scarecrow—as hollow and empty. These feelings first arrive when he is separated from Nellie and Lawrence, then Bill, and again after Sarah Ruth’s death. Edward’s losses prompt him to describe love as a terrible thing because it evokes feelings of grief in him. (Various chapters)

Chapters 23-27

Reading Check

1. Lucius (Chapter 23)

2. An antique doll (Chapter 26)

3. Abilene (Chapter 27)

Short Answer

1. Bryce agrees to give Edward to Lucius in exchange for repairing the rabbit to his former glory. Bryce’s actions are selfless because he is willing to give Edward over to someone who can repair him. Bryce returns to the shop to tell Edward goodbye but is forced to leave without touching the toy rabbit. Bryce’s actions reveal his connection to Edward as he reluctantly leaves him behind. (Chapters 23-24)

2. Edward reaffirms his previous dislike for dolls as being annoying, self-centered, twittery, and vain. His shelf-mate attempts to berate Edward for being a rabbit and says he will never be purchased. Edward does not want to be purchased, and there is an air of superiority and wisdom as he explains that he has been loved deeply by Nellie and Lawrence, Bill and Lucy, and Sara Ruth. He believes he knows more about love than the doll. (Chapter 25)

3. Edward’s second shelf-mate is an old antique doll. She advises Edward to open his heart to be loved by someone again. The doll has credibility because she has been loved by many people and her age grants her experience and wisdom. (Chapter 26)