For the first time in her life, Ona gives away her secrets—to a child. What do you think it is about the boy that encourages Ona to instinctively trust him?
Created: 04/16/17
Replies: 17
Join Date: 10/15/10
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Join Date: 02/08/16
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With the boy, "what you saw was what you got", meaning he was who he was. There was no deceit, he wasn't able to play that game. Ona saw that the boy was honest and accepting in every way. Thus, trust and friendship were built between them. The boy saw her age, and her, as something special. They each filled a hole in the other's emptiness.
Join Date: 01/20/16
Posts: 76
The boy was a pure spirit. He had no ulterior motive in being with Ona. That was incredibly appealing compared to the "put upon" boys who probably often showed up to help her.
I also wondered if Ona herself might have been a bit like the boy in personality. She had so few friends for someone who had lived in one place for so long. I am sure she was very lonely.
Join Date: 05/03/16
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Join Date: 01/01/16
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He was different from the other boys. He was a good worker. The way he held himself she could tell he was probably bullied and friendless. She wanted to help him as much as he was helping her. Once he started interviewing her they really bonded.
Join Date: 10/12/11
Posts: 256
The boy earns her trust because of qualities Ona sees that he possesses-- innocence, integrity, steadfastness, helpfulness, and uniqueness. As a result of their mutual trust, a bond is formed--and a wonderful bond it is.
Join Date: 01/21/17
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Join Date: 04/26/17
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As someone who works with many senior citizens, I think that what made Ona trust the boy was his ability to take the time to listen. It becomes more and more evident as the book progresses that Ona is very lonely. The fact that the boy can help her resolve so many issues in her life even after his own death is remarkable, and a bit magical.
Join Date: 03/03/12
Posts: 239
The boy was truly interested in Ona and asked her so many personal questions. He also really listened to her answers and remembered what she said in previous conversations. That kind of interaction engenders trust.
Join Date: 05/04/17
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Join Date: 10/15/14
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Perhaps it was his innocence - she felt he was not "using" her - and, as juliecaton says, he shows a genuine interest in her and actually took the time to listen - even follow up - on her answers to his questions. At 104 people are pretty isolated I should guess - Ona was open to a little interest in her life and a sweet little boy is pretty undemanding and safe.
Join Date: 09/15/16
Posts: 53
Ona could see that the boy was different from other kids his age. He was not put offby her age or looks. She stated several of the kids in the neighborhood had tormented her and accused her of being a witch. Even the robber that broke into her house, saw her as being "Ugly." The boy was able to see her and was facinated by her stories. He truly admired her and was interested in what she had to say. They were both lonely and didn't have a lot of friends. They connected to each other and both seemed to look forward to seeing each other on their next visit. Ona saw the passion the boy had for the Guiness Book Of World Records and she herself became excited by this.
Join Date: 10/25/12
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Join Date: 04/10/13
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Basically this was a good boy, although a little odd. I think Ona was initially attracted to his oddness and then realized that he was different than most other boys of his age. The fact that he showed up faithfully and did what he promised made a lot of points with Ona and his questions made her feel important and she began to trust him.
Join Date: 05/29/15
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Join Date: 08/16/11
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I think she liked his unfiltered attention to detail. She watched the way he filled the bird feeders and attached the garbage can lids. The other boys were sloppy and he was meticulous. Also, he talked very clearly and she could hear him-- I think that is important to older people!
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