The world is no bigger than the small town of Adenville, at least according to The Great Brain. Sure, we hear there's a place called Salt Lake City somewhere, but has anyone ever seen it? Everything begins and ends in Adenville. It's a completely self-sufficient small town, with someone doing any and all work the town might need. Adenvillers are intensely interested in Adenville, with the result being that they often all move as one, following like a herd of sheep to whatever's interesting that day, whether it's a new water closet or a potential tragedy in Skeleton Cave.
Questions About Community
- How might the book be different if it were set in a city? Why?
- In what ways does Adenville fulfill or contradict stereotypes about small towns? Be specific.
- What causes conflict or inspires cooperation in Adenville? What does this reveal about the town's residents?
- What holds the community together?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
Adenville is a stereotypical small American town, which helps Tom really stand out.
Despite surface differences, the community supports one another.