Question

1. At Thanksgiving dinner with The Colonel and his mother, Miles begins to understand why The Colonel hates the rich. What does Miles learn about The Colonel?

2. Miles says after his visit home for Christmas, that he had a lump in his throat because he had a family. How was his relationship with his parents different than before he left for Culver Creek?
3. Why does The Colonel have more to lose by getting expelled than any one of his friends? Is this why he is skeptical of Alaska taking the fall if they get caught?

Answer 1

Miles understands that The Colonel despises the wealthy due to his own past challenges. The Colonel has more to lose if expelled from school, and Miles feels a newfound appreciation for his family after returning from Culver Creek.

Step-by-step explanation:

When Miles spends Thanksgiving with The Colonel and his mother, he learns that the Colonel's disdain for the wealthy comes from a history of personal struggle and the challenge of overcoming poverty to achieve success, similar to the accounts of hardship faced by characters at the mercy of powerful figures in literature. The Colonel has worked hard for his achievements, making any potential expulsion from school a serious loss, as it would jeopardize his future prospects and the sacrifices he has made. Miles's emotional response after returning from Christmas reflects a deeper appreciation of family now that he has experienced life away from home; he realizes what he previously took for granted.