Nancy and Tommy Kent

The Executioners

The teenage courtship that runs through the summer and becomes one of the family's few unspoiled sources of hope.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Tommy Kent Appears Tommy Kent Appears from "The Executioners". Tommy Kent Appears Context After the end of the Pike Foster phase, Nancy begins to talk about Tommy Kent, a senior and school athlete.

Tommy Kent Appears from "The Executioners". Tommy Kent Appears Context After the end of the Pike Foster phase, Nancy begins to talk about Tommy Kent, a senior and school athlete.

Tommy Kent Appears Context After the end of the Pike Foster phase, Nancy begins to talk about Tommy Kent, a senior and school athlete. Carol reports that Tommy waited on her at the furniture store and seemed poised. Significance Tommy represents the ordinary, age-appropriate romance that the siege will constantly interrupt. His patience with the Bowden family becomes a quiet form of heroism. Aftermath Sam meets Tommy at the barn dance and asks him to watch over the camp children. Tommy accepts the duty without hesitation.

Barn Dance Date Barn Dance Date from "The Executioners". Barn Dance Date Context Tommy arrives in bib overalls and a straw hat to take Nancy to a benefit barn dance at the firehouse.

Barn Dance Date from "The Executioners". Barn Dance Date Context Tommy arrives in bib overalls and a straw hat to take Nancy to a benefit barn dance at the firehouse.

Barn Dance Date Context Tommy arrives in bib overalls and a straw hat to take Nancy to a benefit barn dance at the firehouse. Sam intercepts him in the yard to lay out the responsibility. Significance The barn dance gives Nancy a taste of normal teenage life, while Sam's conversation gives Tommy a secret adult mission. The two worlds collide kindly. Aftermath Nancy returns from the dance with her spirits restored. Tommy leaves early the next morning to help prepare Gannatalla for the camp season.

Camp Social Committee Camp Social Committee from "The Executioners". Camp Social Committee Context Tommy is appointed chairman of the Gannatalla social committee, and Nancy is assistant chairman at Minnatalla.

Camp Social Committee from "The Executioners". Camp Social Committee Context Tommy is appointed chairman of the Gannatalla social committee, and Nancy is assistant chairman at Minnatalla.

Camp Social Committee Context Tommy is appointed chairman of the Gannatalla social committee, and Nancy is assistant chairman at Minnatalla. Their meetings for joint camp events become the romance's summer engine. Significance The social committee is a protected space where the two teenagers can meet without adult suspicion. It also gives Nancy a role that keeps her engaged at camp. Aftermath Nancy tells her parents about Tommy's wonderful summer with dancing eyes. The camp relationship thrives in the months when the outside world is most dangerous.

Tommy's Vigilance Tommy's Vigilance from "The Executioners". Tommy's Vigilance Context Sam asks Tommy to keep Jamie under his wing and to remind Nancy to stay with the pack.

Tommy's Vigilance from "The Executioners". Tommy's Vigilance Context Sam asks Tommy to keep Jamie under his wing and to remind Nancy to stay with the pack.

Tommy's Vigilance Context Sam asks Tommy to keep Jamie under his wing and to remind Nancy to stay with the pack. Tommy promises and later helps carry Jamie to safety after the shooting. Significance Tommy becomes a bridge between the family and the camp world, using his position as an older teenager to keep the Bowden children visible and protected. Aftermath After Jamie's shooting, Tommy escorts Nancy to the hospital and stays with the family. His presence is a small comfort in the chaos.

Labor Day Guest Labor Day Guest from "The Executioners". Labor Day Guest Context Tommy is invited as the special guest on the Bowdens' traditional Labor Day trip to the island.

Labor Day Guest from "The Executioners". Labor Day Guest Context Tommy is invited as the special guest on the Bowdens' traditional Labor Day trip to the island.

Labor Day Guest Context Tommy is invited as the special guest on the Bowdens' traditional Labor Day trip to the island. He swims, eats, and shares the family's hard-won peace. Significance The invitation marks Tommy as almost-family. His relationship with Nancy has survived her family's trauma and helped restore her confidence. Aftermath The day ends with the children swimming and the adults laughing. Tommy will return to school in the fall, and a new season will begin without Cady.

early summer before the camp season

a Saturday night before July 1

July at Gannatalla and Minnatalla

late July at the camps

Labor Day on the island