Mrs. Baker's Reluctant Student

Seventh-grader Holling Hoodhood is convinced that his teacher, Mrs. Baker, harbors an intense dislike for him. Unlike his classmates, who leave for religious classes on Wednesday afternoons, Holling, a Presbyterian, remains behind with Mrs. Baker. This arrangement sets the stage for a year filled with unexpected challenges and revelations. Holling's father, an ambitious architect, pressures him to maintain a good relationship with Mrs. Baker, as her family owns a sporting goods store that could become a client. Holling navigates the complexities of adolescence, family expectations, and the perceived animosity of his teacher.

Holling's Wednesday Isolation

With his classmates gone, Holling spends Wednesday afternoons completing menial tasks assigned by Mrs. Baker. From cleaning chalkboards to organizing the classroom, Holling endures these chores without complaint, fearing his father's wrath if he disrupts potential business opportunities. Despite the mundane nature of these tasks, Holling's time alone with Mrs. Baker becomes a crucible for personal growth, as he learns to navigate the challenges of being the only student left behind.

Shakespeare and Unexpected Lessons

Mrs. Baker introduces Holling to the works of Shakespeare, beginning with "The Merchant of Venice." Initially, Holling views this as another form of punishment, but he soon finds himself captivated by the stories and characters. Through Shakespeare, Holling begins to understand complex themes of identity, justice, and mercy. This unexpected literary journey becomes a pivotal part of Holling's development, offering him insights into his own life and the world around him.

The Cream Puff Catastrophe

Holling's desire to win over his classmates leads to a disastrous incident involving cream puffs. Tasked with cleaning erasers, Holling inadvertently covers a batch of cream puffs with chalk dust, which are then served to a group of soldiers' wives. The incident spirals into a school-wide scandal, with Holling at the center. Despite the embarrassment, Holling learns valuable lessons about responsibility and the consequences of his actions, further shaping his character.

The Tempest of Adolescence

As Holling continues to read Shakespeare, he tackles "The Tempest," drawing parallels between the play's themes and his own life. The story of Caliban and Prospero resonates with Holling, who grapples with feelings of entrapment and the desire for freedom. These literary explorations mirror Holling's journey through adolescence, as he confronts the challenges of growing up, understanding his identity, and seeking his place in the world.

A Hero's Unexpected Flight

Holling becomes an unexpected hero when he saves his sister from an oncoming bus. The incident, captured in a dramatic photograph, transforms Holling's reputation at school. No longer just the boy in yellow tights, Holling is celebrated for his bravery. This newfound status brings both admiration and challenges, as Holling navigates the complexities of heroism and the expectations that come with it.

Valentine's Day and Betrayal

Holling's Valentine's Day plans with Meryl Lee take a turn when he inadvertently shares his father's architectural designs with her. Meryl Lee's father uses the designs to compete against Holling's father for a major contract, leading to feelings of betrayal and tension between the two families. This incident forces Holling to confront the complexities of trust and loyalty, as he grapples with the consequences of his actions and the impact on his relationships.

Holling's Redemption and Reconciliation

After the fallout with Meryl Lee over the architectural designs, Holling is determined to make amends. He writes a new essay on "Romeo and Juliet," reflecting on the complexities of caring for multiple things at once. This introspection leads him to Meryl Lee's house, where he offers a peace gesture of Cokes and a rose. Their reconciliation is a turning point, highlighting Holling's growth and understanding of the importance of relationships and forgiveness.

The Unexpected Gift of Friendship

As Holling navigates the challenges of adolescence, his friendships with Meryl Lee, Danny, and others become a source of strength. They support each other through personal trials, such as Danny's bar mitzvah preparations and the prejudice faced by Mai Thi. These bonds are tested and solidified through shared experiences, illustrating the power of friendship in overcoming adversity and fostering personal growth.

The Power of Forgiveness and Growth

Holling's journey is marked by moments of forgiveness and understanding. He learns to forgive his father for his shortcomings and begins to see him as a complex individual shaped by societal expectations. This realization allows Holling to break free from the constraints of his father's ambitions and forge his own path, embracing the lessons of Shakespeare and the wisdom of those around him.

A Community United in Hope

The news of Lieutenant Baker's status as missing in action brings the community together in support of Mrs. Baker. Despite her personal turmoil, she remains a pillar of strength for her students, guiding them through their studies and personal challenges. The community's empathy and solidarity highlight the importance of collective hope and resilience in the face of uncertainty.

The Triumph of Courage and Love

Holling's heroic actions, such as saving his sister from an oncoming bus, redefine his identity within the school and community. These moments of courage are celebrated and serve as a testament to his growth and maturity. Holling's journey is one of self-discovery, where love and bravery become central to his understanding of what it means to be a hero.

A New Beginning for Holling

As the school year concludes, Holling reflects on the lessons learned and the relationships forged. He stands at the cusp of a new beginning, armed with the knowledge that he can shape his own destiny. The support of his friends, the guidance of Mrs. Baker, and the wisdom of Shakespeare have equipped him to face the future with confidence and hope.

Characters

Holling Hoodhood

Holling Hoodhood is a seventh-grader caught between the expectations of his ambitious father and the challenges of adolescence. As the only Presbyterian in his class, he spends Wednesday afternoons with Mrs. Baker, initially believing she despises him. Through Shakespeare, Holling discovers new perspectives on life, grappling with themes of identity, justice, and mercy. His journey is marked by moments of bravery, introspection, and growth, as he learns to navigate the complexities of family, friendship, and self-discovery.

Mrs. Baker

Mrs. Baker is Holling's teacher, initially perceived as cold and unapproachable. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that she harbors her own struggles and complexities. Through her guidance, Holling is introduced to the world of Shakespeare, which becomes a catalyst for his personal growth. Mrs. Baker's character evolves from a figure of authority to a mentor, revealing layers of compassion and understanding beneath her stern exterior.

Mr. Hoodhood

Holling's father, Mr. Hoodhood, is a successful architect whose primary focus is the success of his business, Hoodhood and Associates. He pressures Holling to maintain a good relationship with Mrs. Baker, viewing her family as potential clients. Mr. Hoodhood's ambition often blinds him to the needs and desires of his family, creating tension and conflict within the household. His character represents the pressures of societal expectations and the challenges of balancing personal and professional life.

Meryl Lee Kowalski

Meryl Lee is Holling's classmate and romantic interest. Their relationship is tested when Holling inadvertently shares his father's architectural designs with her, leading to a betrayal that impacts both their families. Meryl Lee's character embodies the complexities of friendship, trust, and loyalty, as she navigates the fallout from her father's actions and her own feelings of guilt and regret.

Doug Swieteck

Doug Swieteck is known for his mischievous antics and rebellious nature. Despite his reputation, he proves to be a loyal friend to Holling, standing by him during challenging times. Doug's character adds humor and levity to the story, while also highlighting the importance of friendship and support in navigating the trials of adolescence.

Danny Hupfer

Danny Hupfer is one of Holling's closest friends, known for his unwavering loyalty and sense of justice. He stands up for Holling during the Mickey Mantle incident, demonstrating his commitment to doing what is right. Danny's character represents the power of friendship and the impact of standing by those you care about, even in the face of adversity.

Mai Thi

Mai Thi is a Vietnamese refugee and classmate of Holling's. Her presence in the story highlights themes of cultural diversity, resilience, and the challenges faced by those displaced by war. Despite facing prejudice and adversity, Mai Thi remains strong and hopeful, serving as a reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding in a complex world.

Mr. Kowalski

Mr. Kowalski is Holling's father's professional rival and Meryl Lee's father. His use of Holling's father's designs to compete for a major contract creates tension and conflict between the two families. Mr. Kowalski's actions serve as a catalyst for Holling's personal growth, forcing him to confront issues of trust, loyalty, and the consequences of betrayal.

Sycorax and Caliban

Sycorax and Caliban are the classroom rats named after characters from "The Tempest." Their presence in the story serves as a symbol of chaos and unpredictability, mirroring the tumultuous events in Holling's life. The rats' escape and subsequent antics add an element of humor and tension, reflecting the challenges and uncertainties of adolescence.

Mr. Goldman

Mr. Goldman is the director of the Long Island Shakespeare Company and a mentor to Holling. He provides Holling with opportunities to explore his interest in theater, offering guidance and support along the way. Mr. Goldman's character represents the importance of mentorship and the impact of the arts in shaping personal growth and self-discovery.

Plot Devices

Shakespeare's Plays

Shakespeare's plays serve as a central plot device, providing a framework for Holling's personal growth and development. Through the study of works like "The Merchant of Venice," "The Tempest," and "Romeo and Juliet," Holling gains insights into complex themes of identity, justice, and mercy. These literary explorations mirror Holling's journey through adolescence, offering him new perspectives on life and the world around him.

The Cream Puff Incident

The cream puff incident serves as a pivotal plot device, creating conflict and tension within the story. Holling's inadvertent mistake leads to a school-wide scandal, forcing him to confront the consequences of his actions. This incident becomes a catalyst for personal growth, as Holling learns valuable lessons about responsibility, accountability, and the importance of honesty.

The Heroic Rescue

Holling's heroic rescue of his sister from an oncoming bus serves as a transformative moment in the story. This act of bravery changes Holling's reputation at school, shifting him from a figure of ridicule to one of admiration. The rescue becomes a symbol of redemption and growth, highlighting Holling's journey from insecurity to confidence and self-assurance.

Valentine's Day Betrayal

The Valentine's Day betrayal serves as a key plot device, exploring themes of trust, loyalty, and the complexities of relationships. Holling's inadvertent sharing of his father's designs with Meryl Lee leads to a conflict that impacts both their families. This incident forces Holling to confront the consequences of his actions and the importance of trust in maintaining meaningful connections with others.

The Community's Support

The community's support for Mrs. Baker during her husband's absence underscores the power of empathy and solidarity. This collective resilience becomes a source of strength for Holling and his classmates, highlighting the importance of hope and unity in overcoming adversity. The community's actions serve as a reminder of the impact of compassion and understanding in a complex world.

Analysis

"The Wednesday Wars" by Gary D. Schmidt is a poignant exploration of adolescence, identity, and the power of literature. Through Holling Hoodhood's journey, the novel delves into themes of personal growth, forgiveness, and the complexities of human relationships. Shakespeare's plays serve as a lens for Holling's introspection, offering insights into justice, mercy, and self-discovery. The story highlights the importance of empathy, friendship, and resilience in navigating the challenges of growing up. As Holling learns to forgive and understand those around him, he emerges as a young man ready to embrace the future with courage and hope. The novel's timeless themes resonate with readers, offering valuable lessons on the power of love, bravery, and the enduring impact of mentorship and community support.

Last updated: February 23, 2025