49 pages • 1 hour read
The One and Only Bob
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Part 4Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Part 4, Chapters 136-140 Summary
Part 4 covers chapters: “aftermath,” “riddle,” “working on it,” “snickers, again,” and “a visitor.”
Eight animals from the park died in the hurricane. A few other animals remain unaccounted for, including Kimu the wolf. Boss slipped away as animals were helped from the animal shelter to the donut shop, and Bob is devastated that he did not get to spend more time with his sister. He had hoped to bring her home to live with Julia and her family so that she could experience a safe, comfortable, and happy home. Rowdy comes home with Bob to live with the family, and Bob admits that he loves having him around and feels somewhat responsible for him, “sorta like he’s become my numero uno” (327).
Bob visits the park frequently and observes that Ruby seems to be gaining confidence. He is happy, as always, to sit in companionable silence with Ivan. Snickers visits Bob at his house excitedly and adoringly, professing that they survived the hurricane because “the fates wanted our love to blossom” (331). Bob finds her attention embarrassing and overwhelming.
Bob responds lovingly to Julia but cannot escape the knowledge that other dogs do not share his privileges. He still finds it hard to accept that he gets to live so comfortably while others struggle with homelessness or cruel owners. He vows to continue to work on forgiving the cruelty of some humans, as well as forgiving himself for past regrets. At the close of the novel, Julia answers the door when she hears a bark from outside. She tells Bob, “I think it’s for you” (334). An illustration on page 335 shows Boss is at the door.
Part 4 Analysis
Boss arrives at Bob’s home, implying that this will become her home also. This ending fulfills this story arc with Bob redeeming himself: He was haunted by how he abandoned his sister, so he saves her and her son Rowdy and provides them with a happy home.
As explored in Part 3, Bob still grapples with the idea of forgiveness. His mistreatment as a puppy, as well as his disappointment in himself for abandoning Boss, has prevented him from fully trusting his human family. Boss helped Bob to understand that forgiveness is key to living a happy life. In the closing pages of the novel, Bob explains that he is “working on it” (327). He is working on forgiving himself for his actions as a scared young puppy who left his sister on the dark highway edge, and he is working on forgiving humans who mistreat or neglect dogs. He compares this process to “a bone,” because “sometimes you have to chew for a long time before you make any progress” (327). This simile (consistent with Applegate’s humorous use of dog-based metaphorical language) tells the reader that forgiveness won’t happen overnight for Bob, and he will need time to resolve old traumas. As he is pondering this, his owner Julia strokes his head, and he wags his tail. This reflects his growing bond with Julia; as he heals emotionally, it will enable him to more fully love and trust his new family.
It is significant that Bob refers to Rowdy as his “numero uno”; previously, Bob’s self-professed policy was to put himself first. Returning for Boss and then saving his nephew Rowdy breaks from his usual policy and is an important moment of character development for Bob. His comment about Rowdy shows that Bob has discovered that putting others first is rewarding and fulfilling. Furthermore, it seems that Bob’s previous self-interest came from a place of insecurity and fear. He was tested by the storm, and he surprised himself in his bravery and strength. His increased confidence, as well as his growing trust, allows him to grow his relationships with his human family, as well as with Boss, Rowdy, and Snickers.
Another unlikely hero who emerged from the storm with more confidence is the young elephant, Ruby. Like Bob, Ruby surprised herself with her quick thinking and bravery during the storm. Bob watches her when he visits the park and notes that she “seems more confident” (324). She, like Bob, feels more confident in all areas of her life after conquering the challenges presented by the storm.
Unlock all 49 pages of this Study GuidePlus, gain access to 8,800+ more expert-written Study Guides.
Including features:
Related Titles
By Katherine Applegate
