Student Question
What is the problem and resolution in the story "The Twenty-One Balloons"?
Quick answer:
The problem in "The Twenty-One Balloons" is the impending volcanic eruption on Krakatoa, threatening Professor Sherman and the island's inhabitants. The resolution involves their escape plan using a flying platform supported by twenty balloons. The families parachute to safety, dispersing across the globe to start new lives, while Professor Sherman stays on the platform until he is rescued from the ocean.
The problem in "The Twenty-One Balloons" is that Professor Sherman and the inhabitants of the island, Krakatoa, must find a way to escape the island before a massive eruption destroys the entire island.
The Professor and the families must work together in order to escape the island. The resolution of the problem occurs when the families and Professor Sherman escape on a flying platform held aloft by twenty balloons. The families parachute off the flying platform and start new lives in different parts of the world.
Professor Sherman remains on the platform, dropping into the ocean, where he is rescued.
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