The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13 3/4: A Comprehensive Guide
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Why did Adrian’s nose get stuck to the model airplane?
Adrian’s nose got stuck to the model airplane because he tried sniffing glue while building it.
Why does everyone know about the incident?
Barry Kent’s aunt works as a cleaner at the hospital and told Barry, who then spread the news.
Why does Adrian love Pandora?
While Adrian initially mentions Pandora’s legs, he truly loves her for her intelligence and compassion.
What was Adrian’s father’s reaction to the nose incident?
Adrian’s father blamed him for not going to his dentist appointments and told him to be quiet when he cried.
Why did Adrian write to the agony aunt?
Adrian sought advice about his problems with Pandora and his obsession with sex.
Why does Adrian think his dentist is a sadist?
The dentist extracted Adrian’s front tooth instead of repairing it, making him look like a “mass murderer.”
Why is Adrian miserable on Saturday, July 15th?
He received a letter from Pandora breaking up with him.
Why were Adrian’s parents dressed as a doctor and a nurse?
They wore those costumes for the Braithwaites’ fancy dress party.
What makes Adrian think his mother might be pregnant?
His mother said, “It’s positive,” after a strange phone call from the clinic, and his father asked if he wanted a sibling.
Why does Adrian think Mr. Scruton is a fascist?
Mr. Scruton wears a smart shirt and a red bow tie with his grey uniform.
What evidence suggests democracy in Adrian’s family?
This question requires more context from the book to answer accurately.
Why did Adrian show Pandora his poems?
He hoped to impress her and that she would then show him her body.
Why does Adrian care so much about Bert Baxter?
Bert relies on Adrian for help, and Adrian demonstrates his care by immediately going to Bert’s house when needed.
How did Adrian’s and Pandora’s families react to Bert’s fall?
Both families were supportive. Adrian’s parents went to Bert’s house, his mother called an ambulance and cared for Bert and Queenie, and Pandora and her parents visited Bert in the hospital.
Was Pandora being a snob about Skegness?
Yes, she claimed Skegness wasn’t for privileged people like her.
Why couldn’t Pandora go on the canoeing holiday?
Adrian’s father had already paid for the family, and Pandora couldn’t afford her share.
Describe Mr. Lucas, the campsite manager.
Mr. Lucas is a miserable man who fines latecomers, rations bacon, and shouts at his wife.
What was Adrian’s grandmother’s reaction to the news of his illegitimate child?
Contrary to Adrian’s belief, Grandma wasn’t upset and even gave some of their baby clothes to Stick Insect’s baby.
Why did Adrian’s grandma send a rude birthday card to Maxwell?
She wrote, “I hope he has better luck with his skin than me.”
What were Adrian’s true intentions when he offered to look after the Braithwaites’ cat?
He planned to eat their food, watch their TV, and study in their house.
Why did Mr. Lambert, the careers advisor, have a nervous breakdown?
The overwhelming number of students scheduling appointments with him led to his breakdown.
How did Adrian react to his mother’s plan to abandon him at the Social Security office?
He wasn’t worried and went along with her plan.
Why did Adrian have to stop singing in the church choir?
His voice started breaking and he couldn’t control it.
How did Adrian help his mother during Rosie’s birth?
He timed her contractions, made phone calls, and provided support while she was in pain.
Why was Adrian upset after Rosie’s birth?
He was upset because his father left him at Grandma’s after bringing his mother and Rosie home, and he was no longer an only child.
How did Adrian bond with Rosie?
He checked on her breathing at night, helped choose her name, went to register her birth, and celebrated with his mother at a cafe.
Why did Adrian feel emotionally deprived?
His mother had been preoccupied with Rosie since her birth, neglecting Adrian’s emotional needs.
Why is Adrian worried about the future?
He knows he’ll have more responsibility caring for Bert and needs to study for his exams.
How did Adrian contribute to Christmas preparations?
He bought the turkey and did the shopping, bought Christmas tree lights, helped decorate, and prepared the meal.
Why did Adrian’s grandma call him a ‘social hand grenade’?
After drinking wine, Adrian wouldn’t stop talking.
Why did Doreen Slater have a rash?
She was allergic to the cheap “gold” chain Adrian gave her for Christmas.
How has the meaning of the word ‘gay’ changed?
It used to mean “cheerful” but now means “homosexual.”
Why does Adrian find games lessons torturous?
The lack of showers at school meant everyone saw his “inferior muscles.”
When did Adrian and Mrs. Mole sleep together?
They slept together on March 13th, when she attended a protest march in Sheffield.
How did the school doctor help Adrian?
She guessed he had problems at home, promised not to tell anyone he was crying, and let him stay in her office until he recovered.
Why did Adrian get into trouble with the headmaster?
He wrote a poem on the toilet wall and signed it.
Why did Adrian start shoplifting?
He felt lonely and depressed.
Why did Pandora break up with Adrian in her note?
She felt he preferred the company of criminals.
How long was Adrian out of control before his parents noticed?
They didn’t realize for almost a month.
Why did Adrian run away from home?
He felt neglected by his parents, who seemed only interested in Rosie, and wanted their attention.
Why didn’t Adrian speak to his parents when he called from Sheffield?
They didn’t answer the phone immediately, making him feel they were indifferent to his absence.
How did Adrian feel while staying at the vicarage?
He missed his parents, felt unwell and unhappy, lonely, and uncared for.
How did the vicar’s wife help Adrian?
She let him sleep in a bed and called his parents to come get him.
Did running away achieve Adrian’s goal?
Yes, his parents became worried, attentive, and guilt-ridden.
Why did Adrian finally get out of bed after ten days?
His grandma told him to shave and wanted to change his sheets.
Why did Adrian feel he could break his promise to study?
He had already studied for two hours before Bert called, fulfilling his commitment.
Why was Adrian’s house intolerable?
His father was furious about not getting the oil rig job.
Why were May and early June supposed to be a quiet time?
Teenagers were expected to be studying for their exams.
Why did Bert Baxter repeatedly call Adrian’s house?
He mistakenly believed it was his 90th birthday and wanted to tell Adrian.
What was Adrian’s best Christmas present?
He experienced passionate kissing and caressing with Pandora, finally understanding the love of a good woman.