Mia Patel
In Chapter 40 of Walk of Two Moons, Sal receives a chicken from Ben, named Blackberry. The irony in Ben's gift lies in the fact that blackberries remind Sal of her mother, who Sal remembers eating blackberries and kissing a tree. Sal's favorite animal is also a chicken. However, the reason behind the irony in Ben's gift and the name he chooses remains unclear.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chapter | 40 |
| Book | Walk of Two Moons |
| Recipient of the chicken | Sal |
| Giver of the chicken | Ben |
| Name of the chicken | Blackberry |
| Sal's favorite animal | Chicken |
| Sal's mother | Sweet |
| Memory of Sal's mother | Eating blackberries and kissing a tree |
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What You'll Learn
Sal associates blackberries with her mother
In the novel Walk Two Moons, Sal associates blackberries with her mother, Momma/Chanhassen "Sugar" Hiddle, because of her mother's love for the fruit. Sal witnessed her mother kissing a tree and leaving a stain on it after eating blackberries, and she discovered that all trees, when kissed, taste a little like blackberries. Initially, Sal is unable to eat blackberry pie due to the strong association with her mother, but as her relationship with Ben becomes romantic, she begins to associate blackberries with their romance, which is pleasant and exciting for her. Sal's acceptance of Ben's gift of a chicken named Blackberry is ironic because, although Sal loves chickens, the name Blackberry reminds her of her mother. This reminder of her mother's memory may evoke complex emotions in Sal, especially in the context of her processing her mother's death and navigating her changing relationship with her memory. The name Blackberry serves as a constant reminder of the association between blackberries and her mother, potentially impacting Sal's relationship with the chicken.
Sal's association of blackberries with her mother is significant because it symbolizes her changing relationship with her mother's memory as she processes her death. As Sal shares stories of her life before her mother's death, she explains her mother's love for blackberries. Sal's own love for her mother leads her to associate blackberries with her mother, and this association is strengthened when she witnesses her mother kissing a tree and tasting blackberries. This moment is captured in Sal's journal entry about her mother's "blackberry kiss," which is read aloud by Mr. Birkway.
The irony in Ben's gift of a chicken named Blackberry lies in the fact that while Sal loves chickens, the name Blackberry reminds her of her mother. This reminder of her mother's memory may evoke complex emotions in Sal, especially in the context of her processing her mother's death and navigating her changing relationship with her memory. The name Blackberry serves as a constant reminder of the association between blackberries and her mother, potentially impacting Sal's relationship with the chicken.
However, it is important to note that as Sal's relationship with Ben becomes romantic, the association between blackberries and her mother begins to shift. Sal and Ben talk about their kisses tasting like blackberries, framing them as wholly positive. As a result, Sal starts to associate blackberries not just with her mother but also with their romance, which brings her happiness and excitement. This shift in association allows Sal to view blackberries and her mother's memory in a more positive light, understanding that they don't always have to make her sad.
Overall, Sal's association of blackberries with her mother, and the subsequent irony in Ben's gift of a chicken named Blackberry, reflects the complex emotions and relationships explored in Walk Two Moons. The novel delves into Sal's journey of processing her mother's death and navigating the evolving relationships in her life, highlighting the multifaceted nature of human connections and the power of memory and association.
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Ben is the only person who doesn't tease Sal about her journal entry
In the novel Walk Two Moons, Ben Finney is the only person who doesn't tease Sal about her journal entry. Sal, whose full name is Salamanca Tree Hiddle, has a crush on Ben, who reciprocates her feelings. However, Sal is confused by Ben's actions, as he is generally more in touch with his emotions than she is. When they first meet, Sal is tense, and Ben notices that she flinches whenever someone touches her. Despite this, Ben makes a point to touch Sal whenever possible, which she eventually comes to appreciate.
Ben's gift of a chicken named Blackberry to Sal is ironic because blackberries remind Sal of her mother. Sal remembers her mother eating blackberries and kissing a tree, and her favourite animal is a chicken. In addition, Ben is the only one who doesn't tease Sal after their English teacher, Mr. Birkway, reads aloud a journal entry Sal wrote about her mother's "blackberry kiss." Ben's thoughtful gift demonstrates his understanding of Sal and their shared interest in each other.
Ben's actions, such as sending Sal a valentine and kissing her, contribute to the development of their romantic relationship. Despite the initial confusion and awkwardness between them, their connection grows stronger as they get to know each other. Sal's feelings of jealousy towards Ben's journal entry about another girl before he met her further complicate their dynamic. However, their shared experiences and Ben's thoughtful gestures, like the gift of the chicken Blackberry, solidify their bond.
The subplot involving Phoebe, a character with an extraordinary imagination, also relates to Sal's mother's departure and her own feelings of jealousy. Phoebe's mother returns, while Sal's mother leaves without even saying goodbye. This subplot intertwines with the main narrative, exploring themes of grief, self-discovery, and hope in response to loss. Sal's jealousy towards Phoebe's mother returning and her confusion over Ben's actions showcase the complexities of adolescence and emotional development.
Ben's character stands out in the novel as someone who understands and supports Sal, especially in the context of her journal entry being shared with the class. While others may have teased her, Ben's empathy and romantic gestures, like the gift of the chicken Blackberry, create a deeper connection between them. This dynamic adds depth to the exploration of Sal's emotions and experiences throughout Walk Two Moons.
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Sal's romance with Ben is positive and revitalizing
In the novel Walk Two Moons, Sal's romance with Ben is positive and revitalizing. Sal's relationship with blackberries is symbolic of her changing relationship with her mother's memory as she comes to terms with her mother's death. Initially, Sal is unable to eat blackberry pie as the fruit reminds her too much of her mother. However, as her relationship with Ben becomes romantic, Sal begins to associate blackberries with their kisses, which are described as tasting like blackberries. This shift in association allows Sal to process her mother's memory in a more positive light, as she realizes that blackberries and her mother's memory can also bring her happiness.
Ben is the only person in Sal's class who does not tease her when their teacher reads out Sal's journal entry about her mother's "blackberry kiss." This act of kindness and understanding sets the foundation for their romantic relationship, which becomes a source of comfort and revitalization for Sal. As Sal and Ben's romance blossoms, they share intimate moments, such as kisses, that are framed as wholly positive experiences.
The name Blackberry for the chicken is ironic because blackberries remind Sal of her mother, who loved blackberries and would kiss trees, leaving a stain of blackberry juice. Sal's favorite animal is a chicken, and the name of the chicken becomes a playful and romantic gesture between Sal and Ben. The irony lies in the juxtaposition of Sal's association of blackberries with her mother and the gift of a chicken named Blackberry, bringing together two significant symbols in Sal's life.
The chicken, Blackberry, becomes a symbol of Sal and Ben's relationship and serves as a reminder of their shared intimate moments. It represents the positive and revitalizing nature of their romance, allowing Sal to associate blackberries with both her mother and her relationship with Ben. This dual association helps Sal to process her mother's memory in a healthier way, finding comfort and happiness in both the past and the present.
Overall, Sal's romance with Ben is positive and revitalizing as it helps her navigate the complexities of grief and find joy in the present moment. Their relationship allows Sal to shift her perspective on blackberries, transforming them from a source of sadness to a symbol of love and happiness. The gift of the chicken, named Blackberry, becomes a tangible representation of the healing and growth that Sal experiences through her relationship with Ben.
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Sal's kiss doesn't taste like chicken
In the novel Walk Two Moons, Sal receives a chicken as a gift from Ben. The chicken is named Blackberry, which is ironic given the context of Sal's relationship with her mother and her feelings towards blackberries.
Sal's mother, Momma, loved blackberries, and Sal associates the fruit with her mother's memory. Sal witnessed Momma kissing a tree and leaving a stain on it after eating blackberries, and she discovered that all trees, when kissed, taste a little like blackberries. This experience is significant for Sal, as it symbolizes her changing relationship with her mother's memory as she processes Momma's death. Initially, Sal cannot even eat blackberry pie due to the strong association with her mother. However, as Sal's relationship with Ben becomes romantic, she begins to associate blackberries with their romance as well, which is positive and revitalizing for her.
The irony in Ben's gift of the chicken named Blackberry lies in the contrast between the taste of blackberries and the taste of chicken. Sal's kiss with Ben does not taste like chicken, but like blackberries, symbolizing the complex mix of emotions and memories that Sal is experiencing. The name Blackberry for the chicken thus becomes ironic in the context of Sal's personal associations and the taste of her kiss with Ben, which is anything but that of chicken.
The name Blackberry for the chicken serves as a reminder of Sal's mother and the blackberry kisses associated with her. It also reflects Sal's evolving relationship with her mother's memory, as she moves from grief and sadness to acceptance and positive memories. Sal's kiss with Ben, which tastes like blackberries, represents the new, positive associations she is forming, indicating that her relationship with Ben is helping her heal and move forward.
In conclusion, the irony in Ben's gift of the chicken named Blackberry lies in the contrast between the expected taste of chicken and the unexpected taste of blackberries, which symbolizes Sal's complex emotional state and the multiple layers of meaning that blackberries hold for her.
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Sal's mother kissed a tree and left a blackberry stain
In the novel Walk Two Moons, Sal receives a chicken from Ben, which he names Blackberry. This name is ironic given its connection to Sal's mother, who kissed a tree and left a blackberry stain.
Sal's mother, Momma/Chanhassen "Sugar" Hiddle, loved blackberries, and after her death, Sal associates the fruit with her mother's memory. Sal explains how her mother would eat blackberries and kiss trees, leaving a blackberry stain. This is significant as Sal's favourite animal is a chicken, and Ben's gift of a chicken named Blackberry becomes an important symbol in the story.
The blackberry stain left by Sal's mother on the tree serves as a physical reminder of the connection between blackberries and Sal's mother. It becomes a way for Sal to remember and honour her mother's memory. As Sal processes her mother's death, her relationship with blackberries evolves. Initially, she cannot even eat blackberry pie due to the strong association with her mother. However, as her relationship with Ben becomes romantic, she associates blackberries with their kisses and the positive emotions that come with their relationship.
Ben's gift of the chicken named Blackberry is therefore ironic in the context of Sal's mother kissing a tree and leaving a blackberry stain. The chicken becomes a symbol of Sal's changing relationship with her mother's memory and her own personal growth throughout the story. As Sal moves forward and accepts her mother's death, the blackberry transforms from a source of sadness to a symbol of love, romance, and happiness.
Overall, the irony in Ben's gift of the chicken named Blackberry adds depth to the story and highlights the complex emotions and relationships experienced by Sal throughout Walk Two Moons.
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Frequently asked questions
In the novel Walk Two Moons, Sal associates blackberries with her mother, who loved the fruit. Sal witnessed her mother kissing a tree and leaving a stain on it after eating blackberries, and she noticed that all trees tasted a little like blackberries when kissed. Sal's relationship with blackberries changes as she starts to accept and move on from her mother's death. Sal and Ben's romance is one of the pleasant and exciting relationships that helps Sal associate blackberries with happier memories. Ben is aware of Sal's association with blackberries, as evidenced by his question about whether their kiss tasted like blackberries. Therefore, it is ironic that Ben names the chicken Blackberry, as Sal's kisses, which taste like blackberries, no longer taste like chicken.
Sal associates blackberries with her mother because her mother loved them. Sal witnessed her mother eating blackberries and kissing a tree, leaving a stain on it. As Sal recounts stories of her mother's life before she left for Lewiston and passed away in an accident, she explains her mother's fondness for blackberries.
Initially, Sal is unable to eat blackberry pie due to the strong association with her mother. However, as she starts to accept and move forward from her mother's death, her relationship with blackberries evolves. Sal's romance with Ben helps her associate blackberries with happier memories and their revitalizing relationship.
Ben names the chicken Blackberry to commemorate their shared association with the fruit. Sal and Ben's kisses are described as tasting like blackberries, marking a shift in Sal's relationship with the fruit. Ben's choice of name reflects their mutual understanding and the significance of blackberries in their relationship.
