What do worms symbolize in this novel? Explain your thinking and support it with evidence from the story.

Teaching Suggestion: It may be beneficial to review the definition of symbolism and have students generate examples from novels previously read by the class. This is a good time to encourage students to think back through the novel and the character development that has occurred, both in Billy and in his friends. There are no wrong answers; students may think the worms symbolize life’s challenges, fear, becoming more confident, etc.