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Merry's Graduation  by PIppinfan1988 7 Review(s)
Anso the HobbitReviewed Chapter: 2 on 12/7/2005
I just love how Merry makes Degger understand what is going on. I am sure he will take the tutor to task and ask her about why she hasn't given him basic teaching. He really should have had a test of sorts before he started learning to see how much he could, she shouldn¨t have assumed that he knew as much as the others, especially since he is of poor people.

Author Reply: Merry does have a talent with that, doesn't he? I'm glad you noticed that. The only reason why he doesn't take the tutor to task is because he's trying to keep a low profile due to the Thain's opinion of servants being educated. LOL, I'm telling you all this because you've read everything that's posted, so there should be no surprises at this point. The unfortunate part is, is in The Substitute (and I don't mind giving information on the other two tales, because their stories were posted over a year ago, so some may not remember the contents/plots), Paladin was desperate for additional students because Miss Hemlock had a wee clause in her contract that Paladin had somehow missed. Initially, Pippin was the only person to receive lessons, however, in Irrepressible Pippin Merry assists his young cousin in what we call here, "cutting class". As "punishment", Paladin makes Merry take the lessons with Pippin (this is how he comes to taking lessons with his cousin), even though he's a bit old for them, or has already had something of the like as the heir to Buckland. Anyway, now that Miss Hemlock had taken over for Mister Breddo, Paladin scrapes for more kids, so to speak. He enlists his daughter Pervinca, who just happened by on errand for her mother, and Degger, who's busy clearing the teacups and saucers away from the table at Miss Hemlock and Paladin's first meeting. To help out a bit, all three of these tales are happening withing a time period of three weeks, give or take a day because I am just not that good with keeping track of my own dates. I could never be a *real* author, lol!

I hope all of this helped in some way...on to your other reviews. :-)

Pippinfan

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 2 on 11/14/2005
Poor Degger. Yet Miss Hemlock can't keep the whole class back for him. I think it might be time for another strategy! Perhaps Someone could work with him on a one to one level. And maybe he has strengths he could reveal - and pass on.

Author Reply: LOL, strategies are abounding in the next chapter! That is absolutely true about the strengths...perhaps we'll see more of that in later chapters. :-) Thanks for reading!

Pippinfan

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 2 on 11/13/2005
Yes, it's an interesting question as to why she's keeping all learning on what she assumes is Degger's level, although she's still not getting the basics to him.

Poor Degger, feeling so incompetent when it's not his fault.

Author Reply: Finding himself in a tight spot, Paladin placed Degger in the study group on a whim, without thinking the repercussions through--this happened in The Substitute. Degger barely knows how to read and write, let alone solve complex calculations--not that he's dumb, just behind. To give Degger the attention that he needs would literally stop the class; something that would draw the wrong attention from the Thain because...well, you'll see why soon if you decide to stay.

Yes, poor Degger, but he won't be poor for very long. :-) Thanks for reading.

Pippinfan

Grey WondererReviewed Chapter: 2 on 11/13/2005
Looks like Merry has the situation well in hand, or at least Degger's part of it. It looks as if Pip is bored with it all but I don't think he knows that Degger is having trouble or why the lessons have slowed down like they have. I can't wait for Merry to take action because I know he will. He's a Brandybuck after all, and I think he's about to put the trouble with the Took's education system in order. LOL Go Merry!
I loved Merry's patient way with Degger and I do think that Miss Hemlock is planning to make a suggestion or two about both Degger and Pippin but I wonder if her ideas will fit with Merry's. Can't wait for more!

Author Reply: Pip's a bit too bored right now to see what's going on with Degger. Actually, just to be different, I thought to put in the Brandybuck's tradition for teaching their children their letters and sums, which is different from how parents in the Shire do it. We'll have to see about your ideas... :-) Take care and thank you for reading!

Pippinfan

Garnet TookReviewed Chapter: 2 on 11/13/2005
I have a feeling that Merry is going to do a little tutoring of his own. Why do I have the feeling that he's going to recruit a very frustraited Pippin to help him. That would not be a bad idea, either. If Pippin and Merry can give Degger the help he needs, then they can get back to advancing their own lessons. Just a thought.

Thanks.

Garnet Took.

Author Reply: Your speculations are about half right--lol, but I won't say which ones. The story is pretty much written except for the ending, so I'll be updating again soon. Thank you for reading!

Pippinfan

Pearl TookReviewed Chapter: 2 on 11/13/2005
The challenge of all teachers with more than one student :) I'm looking forward to seeing how Merry saves the day :)

Author Reply: Well, I don't know about Merry saving the day; I think he's just interested in giving his friend a fair shake. Thank you for stopping by to read!

Pippinfan

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 2 on 11/13/2005
Lovely! Merry's going to help Degger, and I hope he gets Pippin in on it too! If those two team up to give the lad a bit of private tutoring it will be a big help!

Author Reply: Oh, I'd say something here, but I can't. The story is pretty much written except for the ending. Your antenae are up again, aren't they, lol? Actually, the thing with writing short tales is that I leave very little room for a reader's imagination. It's one of those things I, myself, am trhying to learn not to do--conveying too much too soon.

Thank you for reading! I'll be updating soon.

Pippinfan

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