Jibby Jones · Chapter
XV: The Grape Tree explained
Two weeks after meeting Uncle Beeswax, Jibby Jones, the narrator, and Wampus are running a trotline when Uncle Beeswax excitedly arrives and reveals he has found a magnificent wild grape tree on Buffalo Island, hidden between two mud gullie
What happens
Two weeks after meeting Uncle Beeswax, Jibby Jones, the narrator, and Wampus are running a trotline when Uncle Beeswax excitedly arrives and reveals he has found a magnificent wild grape tree on Buffalo Island, hidden between two mud gullies. He draws a map and organizes a grape-gathering expedition, instructing the boys to get baskets, axes, and rakes while he fetches his own supplies.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship and Teamwork
Uncle Beeswax shares his discovery with the boys, and they coordinate a joint expedition, demonstrating cooperation and mutual support.
Adventure and Exploration
The hidden grape tree on Buffalo Island, concealed by gullies and thick vegetation, presents a new discovery and an exciting outing for the group.
Nature and the River
The chapter vividly describes the river environment, including trotline fishing, island geography, and the abundance of wild grapes.
Characters to notice
- Jibby Jones
Sits with the narrator by the mud cove, rigs a trotline, and receives the map from Uncle Beeswax.
- Uncle Beeswax
Stops by daily, shows Jibby the correct way to tie trotline hooks, discovers the hidden grape tree, and organizes the gathering expedition.
- Wampus Smale
Rows the skiff while Jibby pays out the trotline, and later helps gather baskets and axes for the grape expedition.
- Tad Willing
Informed about the grape tree and tasked with getting baskets and axes for the expedition.
- Skippy Root
Informed about the grape tree and tasked with getting baskets and axes for the expedition.
Key passages
“My, my! My, oh, my! I just ran across the grandest grape tree I ever saw in my whole life, bar none whatever! More wild grapes than I ever saw in one place in all my born days.”
Uncle Beeswax exclaims that he has found the most amazing wild grape tree he has ever seen, loaded with more grapes than he could have imagined.
Uncle Beeswax's excitement upon discovering the grape tree.
“If you tie them that way, Jibby, they'll slide back and forth along the line when a big fish gets on them. This is the right way.”
Uncle Beeswax criticizes Jibby's method of attaching hooks to the trotline, explaining that the knots will slip under pressure, and demonstrates the correct technique.
Uncle Beeswax teaches Jibby the proper way to tie trotline hooks.