Download Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

Tuck Everlasting
Natalie Babbitt
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Introduction
Background
Discussion Starters
Tuck Everlasting
Natalie Babbitt
Tuck Everlasting: Introduction
Winnie Foster is a girl in search
of adventure.
Living in a fenced-in cottage with her parents and
grandmother, she feels bored . . . restricted.
Tuck Everlasting: Introduction
On a hot August afternoon,
Winnie makes an
announcement to a toad.
She tells the toad that
she is going to run away
the next day.
Tuck Everlasting: Introduction
That evening, a mysterious stranger arrives at the
Fosters’ cottage.
He’s asking a lot of
questions.
But he won’t say why
he’s there.
Tuck Everlasting: Introduction
The next morning Winnie Foster sets out on her
own into the woods.
Tuck Everlasting: Introduction
Winnie has imagined all kinds of possible
adventures that might await her.
Tuck Everlasting: Introduction
But Winnie never could have dreamed up the
magic spring that she finds in the woods
or the Tucks, a strange and
wonderful—and immortal—family.
Tuck Everlasting: Introduction
The Tucks take Winnie to their house.
What do you think immortal people would be like?
What would immortality be like?
Should Winnie choose to become immortal
herself?
Tuck Everlasting: Background
For hundreds of years, people all over the world
have passed down stories about springs,
fountains, and rivers that bring everlasting life.
Tuck Everlasting: Background
Ancient Hindu writings tell of
a fountain of youth.
Tuck Everlasting: Background
The spirit world of Greek and Roman mythology
included a spring of immortality.
Tuck Everlasting: Background
One legend says that in
the 1500s, Spanish
explorer Juan Ponce de
León searched for a
spring in Florida that
could restore youth and
cure sickness.
Tuck Everlasting: Background
Of course, the Fountain of Youth is only a legend.
But the idea of waters that grant immortality has
fascinated humans for many centuries.
Tuck Everlasting: Discussion Starters
Discuss (1)
At the beginning of the novel, Winnie is feeling
restricted at home. She longs for freedom and
excitement, but she is also scared.
• When you are feeling bored and restless, what
do you usually do to relieve those feelings?
• Do you think it’s normal for a ten-year-old girl
to be afraid of the outside world? Explain.
Tuck Everlasting: Discussion Starters
Discuss (2)
Imagine that like Winnie, you have discovered a
way to live forever.
• Would you choose to become immortal or to
stay as you are? Why?
• If you were going to become immortal, what age
would you like to be for all eternity? What
makes you choose that age?