Why do you think Leota and Mrs. Fletcher spanked Billy at the end for eating her peanuts? Were they angry about the peanuts, or did he represent something bigger for them? How did it make the women feel when they were through? Give your answer in 150 words, using evidence from the story for support.

Leota and Mrs. Fletcher had some negative feelings towards Mrs. Pike. The took these emotions out on Billy. They were not angry about the peanuts but they were using the spanking in retaliation to Mrs. Pike. One reason being that Mrs. Pike found out and told that Mrs. Fletcher was pregnant. Mrs. Fletcher was angry that she did not get to tell people first (if she was going totell it at all). Leota was jealous because of Mrs. Pike figuring out who the petrified man was and receiving the reward money. Both woman did not have a direct or relevant reason to be angry at Mrs. Pike. Their pettiness caused them to lash out at Billy instead of confronting Mrs. Pike who had given Leota the peanuts in the first place. Both women felt smug and satisfied after they spanked Billy.