In Gary Schmidt 's novel Okay for Now, the greatest major conflict is that between the protagonist Doug Swieteck and his abusive father, which we can describe as character vs. character. Doug suffers from many conflicts in the novel, but all other conflicts stem from this poor relationship with his father.
What is the main idea of okay for now?
One of the primary themes that runs throughout the novel is growing up and coming of age. In some way, each of the characters learn lessons about growing up and dealing with responsibilities in life. Doug deals a lot with puberty and the changes in his feelings and his body as a teenage boy.
What does Doug look like in okay for now?
Doug is called a “skinny thug” and “skinny delivery boy” by Lil and Mrs. Windermere multiple times throughout the book because of his slender frame and tough looks. He is always trying to act cool, such as leaning back against the library stairs while talking to Lil so he can appear calm and casual.
What is the tone of okay for now?
sarcastic toneOKAY FOR NOW is a powerful story of self-discovery and transformation effectively told in the strong, distinctive voice of its young protagonist. Doug is a likable and complex character whose conversational, often sarcastic tone belies his sensitivity.
What is Doug's last name in okay for now?
“Following The Wednesday Wars, Doug Swieteck returns as he and his family move to 'stupid' Marysville in upstate New York. Completely awed by his hero, Yankee baseball player Joe Pepitone, and trying valiantly to be nothing like his abusive, often drunken father, Doug has more than his share of obstacles.
What happens in Chapter 10 okay for now?
On the first Saturday in June, Doug reports to work at Spicer's Deli. He is told by Mr. Spicer that he can no longer keep Doug in his employ, as Lil's hospital bills have left him with no money with which to pay, but Doug stays on anyway.
What happens in chapter 4 of okay for now?
As Doug continues to progress with his drawing lessons under Mr. Powell, he begins to actually think of himself as an artist. To his delight, Lil, with characteristic honesty, affirms his new self-concept. At school, the teachers ignore Doug for the most part, except in science, where he earns Mr.
What year does okay for now take place?
1968The story takes place in 1968, with Doug's family driving their pickup down to Port Authority to collect a brother, home from Vietnam.
Can Doug Swieteck read?
Ferris discovers Doug can't read, he discreetly arranges for the English teacher to provide some extra help. She makes Doug read Jane Eyre against his wishes, but he concludes it's not a bad story.
How old is Doug in okay for now?
fourteen-year-oldPlot summary Douglas "Doug" Swieteck is a fourteen-year-old boy living somewhere on Long Island in 1968 during the Vietnam War. After Doug's dad is fired for mouthing off to his boss, the Swietecks move to the small town of Marysville, NY, where Doug feels out of place and unwelcome.
Who is Christopher in the book okay for now?
Christopher Swieteck The police and community falsely believe he is the one who robbed the hardware store and Spicer's Deli, but Mr. Swieteck eventually helps to clear his name.
Who are the main characters in okay for now?
CharactersDoug Swieteck. Doug, a boy in junior high, is the main character of Okay for Now. ... Lucas Swieteck. Lucas is Doug's oldest brother. ... Mr. Swieteck. ... Christopher Swieteck. Christopher is the middle Swieteck brother. ... Ernie Eco. ... Mr. ... Lillian "Lil" Spicer. ... Mr. Powell.More items...•
Where does the book okay for now take place?
Marysville, NYPlot summary Douglas "Doug" Swieteck is a fourteen-year-old boy living somewhere on Long Island in 1968 during the Vietnam War. After Doug's dad is fired for mouthing off to his boss, the Swietecks move to the small town of Marysville, NY, where Doug feels out of place and unwelcome.
Why does Doug's dad take him to the picnic?
Ballard, Doug’s father insists on taking the family to the annual company picnic because there will be a trivia contest on Babe Ruth, which he and Ernie Eco are determined to win. Contrary to expectations, the picnic turns out to be a wonderful event, like “something out of a fairy tale.” The women welcome Doug’s mother warmly, the food is delicious, and Doug and his brother receive real Timex watches, “compliments of the Ballard Paper Mill.” Most of the kids go swimming in the lake, but Doug wanders over to the horseshoe pit, where an “old guy” befriends him and shows him how to play. When the trivia contest begins, the old man, who turns out to be Mr. Ballard himself, asks Doug to be his partner, and their team wins. Mr. Ballard tells Doug to come by his office on Monday to see about his prizes, which include a cash bonus and a baseball signed by Babe Ruth. Doug’s father tells him that Mr. Ballard will not follow through because Doug is not an employee, so the disappointed boy does not go.
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When was Okay for Now published?
This is an overview of the first edition of Okay for Now, a humorous Young Adult novel by award-winning author, Gary D. Schmidt. Published in 2011, this children’s novel was nominated for the National Book Award for Young People’s literature.
What is Lucas's condition in the novel?
Meanwhile, Lucas returns from Vietnam with post-traumatic stress disorder, partial blindness, and his legs have been amputated from the knee . He struggles to find work in Marysville, but he becomes an assistant coach at the end of the novel when Doug connects him with his gym teacher, who also suffers from PTSD.
What is the message of the book "The Coming of Age"?
The novel’s message is one of hope, as Doug transforms from an apathetic “skinny thug” into a determined student who encourages those around him to try. Still, Schmidt doesn’t oversimplify the end result.
Where does Doug meet Lil?
At Marysville, Doug meets Lil, the daughter of a local deli, and he begins making deliveries for her father. On one such delivery, he meets and befriends the eccentric writer, Mrs. Windemere. He also visits the library regularly, where an illustrated book of birds by John J Audubon is kept behind glass. Under the tutelage of a worker there, Mr. Powell, Doug begins learning to draw and paint the birds. Doug is sad to learn that the library is cutting pictures out of the book and selling them off. By the end of the novel, Doug retrieves all of the pages from their respective owners and returns them to the library.
The Importance of Not Judging Others
In Okay for Now, Gary D. Schmidt explores how people too often judge others based on appearance and rumors. Doug is new to the town of Marysville, so he begins the story as an outsider, and he is initially treated poorly by his teachers and people on his delivery route.
Perseverance and Hard Work as Catalysts for Change
Doug initially hates Marysville, the town to which he has been forced to move, and repeatedly remarks how "stupid" everything is. He harbors great resentment toward his situation and, for a time, seems to slowly be adopting behaviors similar to those of his alcoholic father and abusive older brother Lucas.
The Positive and Negative Effects of Peer Influence
Although Doug takes it upon himself to persevere in spite of adversity, without people like Lil Spicer in his life, it's likely that he would have followed in the footsteps of his older brother Christopher, who seems destined to end up like their father.
