Mrs. Phelps' husband is off fighting in the war, so she does not know his whereabouts and is indeed worried about his safety like any wife would be in such a situation.
Mrs. Phelps
Mrs. Phelps think Huck is Tom Sawyer
Mrs. Phelps says that according to the Army, the war is supposed to be quick; only forty-eight hours and then they would send her husband right back home. About her husband, she states that she isn't at all worried. On page 94, she says, "I'm not worried. I'll let Pete (her husband) do all the worrying. Not me. I'm not worried." She's completely convinced that her husband will be back home soon enough, although it is otherwise suggested throughout.
Kat Groat
Montag compares Mrs. Bowles and Mrs. Phelps to programmed robots due to their lack of critical thinking and emotional depth. He sees them as shallow and disconnected from reality, absorbed in their mindless entertainment and conformity.
Mrs. Phelps describes her husband as always being late, saying "If there's a delay, he always has a reason." She also mentions that he is always looking for new ways to improve his job.
Mrs. Phelps cried during the reading of "Dover Beach," showing emotional depth and contemplation. In contrast, Mrs. Bowles was more focused on her appearance and materialistic concerns, demonstrating a lack of interest or connection to the profound meaning of the poem.
Tom Sawyer
Matilda said she saw her mother yell at Mrs. Phelps during one of her school visits. She saw her mother intimidate and harass Mrs. Phelps, making her uncomfortable.
Mrs. Phelps acts as if she is a part of a "television family" and is desensitized to the reality of the world around her. She is more focused on her TV shows than on the troubling events happening in society, making her character unsettling and strange.
In "Matilda" by Roald Dahl, Mrs. Phelps, the kind librarian, plays a special role in Matilda's life by encouraging her love for reading. She recognizes Matilda's extraordinary intelligence and provides her with access to a wide range of books, fostering her imagination and intellect. Additionally, Mrs. Phelps listens to Matilda's stories and supports her, offering a sense of companionship and understanding that contrasts with Matilda's difficult home life.
Mrs. Phelps is upset because the poem makes her reflect on the emptiness of her life and the lack of genuine connections with others. She cries because she is moved by the beauty and depth of the poem, which contrasts starkly with the superficiality of her daily existence. The poem serves as a poignant reminder of the emotional void in her life and prompts her to confront suppressed feelings.