Analyze A symbol is a person, place, or thing that stands for something beyond
self. What do the following places and things symbolize for Tom?
• the marsh
• the hospital
• the whale skeleton
6. Synthesize Identify two themes in the story. Explain how these themes interact
and build on each other.
7. Evaluate Throughout the story, Tom struggles with the fear that he will die
young. How does Tom resolve this conflict at the end of the story? Do you find this
resolution effective? Explain.