In Chapter 7, Bud is in the library and asks the librarian for Miss Hill. The librarian responds by saying, "Miss Hill? My goodness, hadn't you heard?" (Curtis 55). Bud instantly remembers one of his rules. According to Rule Number 16,
"If a Grown-up Ever Starts a Sentence by Saying "Haven't You Heard," Get Ready, 'Cause What's About to Come Out of Their Mouth Is Gonna Drop You Head first into a Boiling Tragedy" (Curtis 56).
Bud braces himself for some bad news because he associates the statement "haven't you heard" with finding out that somebody has just passed away. He elaborates by saying that not only does the statement imply that someone is dead, but also that the person they are referring to typically died in a tragic, grotesque manner. Bud then tries to prepare himself to receive the tragic news about Miss Hill. Fortunately, the librarian informs Bud that Miss Hill moved to Chicago with her new husband. Rule Number 16 would be classified as a "survival" rule because Bud uses the rule to remind himself to be prepared to receive bad news. Bud realizes that if he can prepare himself to hear tragic news, then he will be able to maintain his composure and protect himself emotionally.
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