Student Question

Why is the chapter named "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" in Whirligig?

Quick answer:

The chapter "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" in Whirligig is named for Brent's experiences with stars and music. As he travels to San Diego, Brent becomes fascinated with astronomy, learning about star names and constellations. This newfound interest in stars is mirrored when he plays "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" on his harmonica at a hostel, symbolizing his growing appreciation for the stars and their significance in his journey.

Expert Answers

An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

In chapter 5 of Whirligig, Brent's on his way to San Diego after having had a pretty unpleasant time of it in San Francisco. The experience hasn't been a dead loss, however, as he's bought himself a very interesting book on astronomy. While sitting on the bus, Brent compares the stars in the book with the constellations he sees twinkling in the night sky above. The stars even have names—he previously didn't know that—and exotic names too like Deneb, in the constellation Cygnus. Brent particularly likes Vega, a bluish white star that seems to be staring right at him.

Later on in the chapter, when Brent's staying at a hostel in San Diego, he gets out his harmonica at regular intervals and starts playing tunes like "Hot Cross Buns," "Tom Dooley," and "Twinkle twinkle little star."

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Approved by eNotes Editorial