Question

linked
chapters twenty-two

plot development

how is chapter 22 a turning point in the novel?
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what conflict, if any is still left unsolved at this point in the novel?
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if jordie were to send a text to link, what would it say?

Explanation:

⚡ Using what you learned: character development and narrative arcs

Step 1: Analyze the Turning Point in Chapter 22

In Chapter 22 of Gordon Korman's novel Linked, the narrative reaches a major turning point. Link (Lincoln Rowley) makes a profound personal discovery about his own heritage: he learns that his maternal grandmother was Jewish and was hidden during the Holocaust to survive.

This is a turning point because:

• Shift in Identity: Link, who was previously passive or indifferent to the swastika vandalism at his school, suddenly has a direct, personal connection to the history and pain associated with the symbol.
• Shift in Motivation: His motivation changes from merely participating in a school project (the paper chain) to embarking on a genuine, personal journey to understand his Jewish heritage, culminating in his decision to prepare for a Bar Mitzvah.

Step 2: Identify Unsolved Conflicts

At this point in the novel, several key conflicts remain unresolved:

• The Mystery of the Vandal: The identity of the person (or people) responsible for painting the original swastikas on the school walls has not yet been revealed.
• Community Tension: The underlying social tension, prejudice, and systemic issues within the town of Chokecherry are still active and unresolved, despite the unifying paper chain project.
• Link's Internal Journey: Link is just beginning to navigate his new identity, meaning his internal conflict regarding who he is and how his family will react to his choices is still unfolding.

Step 3: Draft Jordie's Text to Link

Jordie is Link's older brother. Throughout the book, Jordie is depicted as somewhat cynical, self-absorbed, and highly focused on his own social status and college prospects. He often reacts to family situations with sarcasm or detachment.

If Jordie were to text Link about Link's sudden interest in his heritage or his decision to have a Bar Mitzvah, the text would likely reflect his characteristic mix of skepticism, light teasing, and underlying curiosity:

"So I hear you're suddenly studying for a Bar Mitzvah? Are you actually serious about this, or is this just another way to get out of chores? Let me know when the party is."

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Answer:

1. How is Chapter 22 a turning point in the novel?

Chapter 22 is a major turning point because Link discovers that his maternal grandmother was Jewish and survived the Holocaust. This revelation completely shifts his perspective; he goes from being an outsider looking in on the school's vandalism crisis to having a deep, personal connection to Jewish history. This sparks his internal transformation and his decision to prepare for a Bar Mitzvah.

2. What conflict, if any, is still left unsolved at this point in the novel?

• The Mystery: The identity of the person who painted the swastikas remains unknown.
• External Conflict: The overall tension and prejudice within the Chokecherry community are not yet fully resolved.
• Internal Conflict: Link is at the very beginning of navigating his new identity and figuring out how to integrate his heritage into his life and family dynamics.

3. If Jordie were to send a text to Link, what would it say?

"So mom told me about the Bar Mitzvah thing. Are you actually serious about this or is it just for the school project? Let me know if there's going to be good food at the party."