BEANPOLE!

Yes, I know. This is exactly what you've been anticipating the entire week. The follow-up to my earlier post on our new reading book, The White Mountains. But no need to stress; as I am here now ready to write about the next assigned topic. The latest question by the way, is "How will Beanpole help Will and Henry on their journey to the White Mountains?" Okay, remember where we left off? Because I'm so nice, I'll summarize and remind you. In my previous posting, I introduced you to the main character Will. I also informed you on his difficult situation, and his exciting journey to the White Mountains in search of freedom. Plus, I explained how Will and I are alike in terms of our traits. Well... is it all coming back to you now? Because if it isn't, you will have trouble comprehending this post. Anyway, the new question mentions two other characters; Henry and Beanpole. I'll start by vaguely explaining who Henry is, as he isn't really who I'm meant to be focusing on. Anyhow, Henry is Will's obnoxious cousin, who later in the story becomes one of Will's companions on his journey to the mountains. Though in the beginning, Henry appears to be a repulsive, insensitive bully; he turns out to be quite a smart, kind-hearted boy as well as a helpful friend on the journey. He really came through for Will, and proved that it was a good choice to let him tag along. For instance, when Will had injured himself by spraining his ankle whilst running in the woods; Henry took the liberty of carrying Will all the way back to an abandoned hut. Henry even cleaned and organized the small hut, as well as searched for food. He really is pretty sweet and compassionate, right? So that is, very basically, Henry. Okay, now on to Beanpole. He is really the center of this post, so, I'll just carefully explain who he is and his place in the story. Beanpole is an extremely new addition to Will and Henry's group. The boys had just met each other, after Beanpole helped Will and Henry escape from their little mishap. (Will and Henry had just arrived in a small town, and were captured by the villagers. Beanpole had decided to help them escape, and that's where they first got acquainted with one another.) Once Will and Henry had explained where they were heading, Beanpole had asked if he could come with them immediately. I know it seems quite strange for a boy like Beanpole, to have made such a great decision to leave everything behind, right then and there. But to be honest, he doesn't have much to lose. Both his parents had passed away, and he was being cared for by his aunt and uncle. He of course is grateful that they are providing him with food and a home, but there isn't any real, deep connection between them. Their relationship is mutual; the bond joining all of them is very weak. For example, there aren't any genuine feelings of love between a single of one of them. Beanpole's aunt and uncle don't show any appreciation or awareness of his achievements such as his intelligence. Plus, the support Beanpole should receive isn't given by either uncle or aunt. Although, I am not sure. The book never did mention Beanpole's "parent's" thoughts on the matter, but since Beanpole is so eager to come and so prepared to leave, I'm just guessing. However, I know for a fact, that Beanpole, like Will, wants to be free. Though not for the same reason-Beanpole wants to be free, because he is afraid that once he is capped, his knowledge will be taken away. You see? There is literally nothing to restrain him from departing. He is ready and willing to go on the voyage for a better life. But I do believe that Beanpole's addition to the group was a fortunate happening, as he can really help on the journey. Here's how...

Beanpole, I think, can help Will and Henry on their journey to the White Mountains in multiple ways. Firstly, Beanpole can help make their trip faster as he knows the land very well. Since he has been living there for several years, he is very familiar with the area, and would be able to guide all of them to where there needed to go. Beanpole also knows numerous shortcuts which should lessen their travel time. For instance, the Shmand-Fair. This was one shortcut they had taken, which had spared a lot of time. Without Beanpole of course, this would not have been possible. Another way Beanpole can help Will and Henry on their travels, is by being able to cover for them. Beanpole is able to not only speak English, but the language spoken in that area. If Henry and Will were left without Beanpole, the could get into many difficult situations. If the townsfolk do not understand what is being said, they will get slightly suspicious, and most likely capture Will and Henry. I mean, that is what happened to the pair before. So basically, if they ever get into a position where they need to talk to a local, Beanpole could speak on their behalf, and help their group seem more inconspicuous; he could help blend them in with the everyone else. Beanpole could also help Will and Henry on their voyage with his great amount of knowledge and intelligence. For instance, Beanpole always had an issue with his eyesight. He couldn't see very well; it was blurry and he probably couldn't read. But in the end, he came up with a fantastic solution. He invented glasses! They aren't common anywhere in the story, by the way. Therefore, it's quite an advancement. Anyway, Beanpole came up with this idea after thinking about telescopes. He realized that they helped people see distant things much better. So, he took two lenses, and created his glasses! Which really made an improvement, as he can see more appropriately now. My point is, Beanpole can help by using his problem solving skills in complex situations. As well as making use of his inventing abilities. Plus, there's his knowledge of the land and the language there. As you can see, Beanpole can really help and make a positive difference in the journey to the White Mountains.