Understanding The Growing Pains of Adrian Mole
Adrian Mole and Barry Kent's Gang
Why did Adrian join Barry Kent’s gang?
Adrian wasn’t having a good time because his relationship with Pandora wasn’t going well and he had been suspended from school. Adrian joined Barry Kent and his gang because he had no other friends.
How and why did Adrian and Pandora end their relationship?
Adrian thought that Pandora was more intelligent than him, and she did not like his new friends. Pandora ended the relationship by sending him a note.
Family Dynamics and Running Away
How long did it take his parents to notice his behavior?
Adrian joined the gang in February, and his parents only noticed he was out of control in March. They were very busy with Rosie and did not pay enough attention to Adrian.
Why did Adrian run away from home?
He decided to leave home because his parents were preoccupied with Rosie and were neglecting him.
How long was Adrian away before calling home?
He was away from home for a week. In reality, he didn’t want to leave his house; he simply wanted to get his parents’ attention. He did not speak to them because he was waiting for a specific reaction.
The 16th Birthday and the Vicar's Wife
What emotions did Adrian have on his 16th birthday?
Adrian was very sad. Nobody wished him a “Happy Birthday.” He even called a police station to report that he had escaped from home, but nobody was looking for him.
How did the vicar’s wife help Adrian?
The vicar’s wife took him into her house and phoned his parents. She was described as a true Christian.
Did Adrian achieve the effect he wanted by running away?
Adrian wanted to get his parents’ attention, but he didn’t hear any news regarding his disappearance. He felt that his parents were not looking for him at all.
Depression and Academic Resolutions
How long was Adrian in bed and why did he get up?
Adrian went to bed and did not leave it for ten days. His family and friends tried to cheer him up, but he was depressed. Eventually, Dr. Donaldson, a psychologist, listened to Adrian’s problems and helped him look for solutions.
How well did Adrian keep his New Year’s resolution?
He promised that he would study for two hours per day for his exams, and he was successfully keeping that promise.
Why did Adrian study at Pandora’s house?
It was impossible to study at his own house because his father was angry about not getting a job on the oil rig.
Politics and the Return of Pandora
Why did Adrian think the Prime Minister was selfish?
He believed it was selfish to have a general election in June. He felt that May and June should be reserved for teenagers to study for their exams without the distraction of an election.
Why did Bert phone three times?
Bert wanted to talk to Adrian to tell him that it was his birthday.
What event made Adrian resume his diary?
On May 31st, Adrian decided to stop writing until after his exams. However, he changed his mind when Courtney Elliot (the postman) offered to help him with his studies and Pandora became his girlfriend again.