The Body by Stephen King

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The Body by Stephen King Study Questions Chapters 15-17

Answer each of the following questions in complete sentences on a separate sheet of loose leaf paper.

1. Who writes the story that comprises the majority of these two chapters? Who is the audience?

2. In your own words, describe the major conflict in the story.

3. Who is the story’s main character? What physical description of this character is given?

4. Name the other competitors in the pie-eating contest. Who is favored to win? Besides the five-dollar prize, what benefits does the narrator suspect that he might gain for winning the contest?

5. What questions do the townspeople of Gretna consider when betting on competitors in the pie-eating contest? Why might these details be important to them in determining who is likely to win?

6. What does David Hogan imagine he is eating, instead of blueberry pies? What has he eaten prior to the contest? For what purpose?

7. Explain David Hogan’s revenge. Why does he want revenge? On whom? How is his revenge carried out?

8. Who makes the final statement at the pie-eating contest? What does he say? 9. Write your own, creative, ending to the story. It should be at least two paragraphs long.

10. Compare and contrast the ways in which Chris, Teddy and Vern react to the story.

11. Explain Chris and Gordie’s conversation as the boys continue to walk. What does Chris believe will happen in the upcoming school year? Gordie? Based on your own high school experiences, who do you think is more accurate? Why?

12. What disturbs Gordie about Chris’ insights? Why?

13. What really happened to the milk money Chris was suspended for stealing?

14. What are Chris’ aspirations for the future? Is he optimistic that he will be successful? Why, or why not?

15. According to Chris, who “drag[s] you down”? Does Gordie understand what he means? How do you know this?