Characters discuss the conflicts presented by William Shakespeare throughout the novel. As demonstrated in “February,” Shakespeare’s messages are open to interpretation. What does Mrs. Baker’s character teach readers (and Holling) about the human condition? Consider the following questions as you reflect on your analysis:

• How does Holling view Mrs. Baker in September? What influences his perspective?
• What causes Holling to reconsider his view of Mrs. Baker? What does that reveal about human nature?
• How does Mrs. Baker teach Holling about being a good person?
• What does Holling teach Mrs. Baker about being a good teacher?

Teaching Suggestion: For more concrete thinkers who might find indirect characterization especially challenging, teachers might guide students through a character sketch or use character development questions to help analyze Mrs. Baker.