Chapter 27: 25 Trouble – Summary and Analysis

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Summary

In geography class, Mr Trent calls on Gordon Darcy to explain how rain forms. Gordon, having not completed his reading assignment due to his rugby trip to France, tries to bluff but mishears a whispered prompt from Peter, producing a jumbled answer. Mr Trent sends him to the principal’s office. Knowing that Mr Cuffe had warned him that further complaints would cost him his place on the rugby team, Gordon decides to skip the office visit and heads to the rugby pitch instead.

There he finds Aoife practising her kicking. They discuss her recent newspaper interview in which she criticised unequal treatment of girls’ rugby. Aoife tells Gordon she plans to write to Jeff Smythe, the columnist who told her to stop “whingeing.” She argues it isn’t whingeing to ask for equal treatment.

Just as Aoife is about to leave, Peter runs up, breathless. He reveals that Conor has been acting secretively and recently went off with older boys after Evening Study. This time Peter followed them and overheard talk of a robbery. Conor reportedly said he had the whole plan worked out and would explain it in the Main Assembly Hall. Alarmed, Gordon and Aoife set off to stop him before things go too far.

Key Events

Mr Trent calls on Gordon in geography and demands an explanation of the water cycle.
Gordon fails to answer correctly and is sent to the principal’s office.
Instead of going to Mr Cuffe, Gordon goes to the rugby pitch to hide.
Gordon talks with Aoife about her newspaper article and gender inequality in rugby.
Aoife reveals she will write a letter to Jeff Smythe.
Peter arrives in a panic, reporting that Conor may be involved in a robbery.
Peter overheard Conor mention having a robbery plan and arranging a meeting in the Main Assembly Hall.
Gordon and Aoife decide to intervene and stop Conor.

Character Development

Gordon Darcy: Shows continued recklessness by skipping the principal’s office, but also genuine concern for his friend Conor. His loyalty to teammates overrides his own self-preservation.
Aoife: Demonstrates leadership and conviction. She stands by her public comments, praises her coach’s support, and takes concrete action by planning to write to Jeff Smythe. Her quick decision to join Gordon in confronting Conor underscores her courage.
Peter: Acts as the concerned friend who monitors Conor’s suspicious behaviour. His decision to follow the older boys and then alert Gordon shows his protective instincts.
Conor (mentioned): Remains offstage but is portrayed as increasingly secretive and possibly drawn into a dangerous scheme by older peers.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Consequences of Negligence: Gordon’s failure to complete his homework – prioritising rugby over academics – leads directly to his confrontation with Mr Trent and his subsequent truancy.
Standing Up for Equality: Aoife’s refusal to accept unequal treatment in girls’ rugby echoes the book’s broader theme of fairness. Her planned letter is a symbol of peaceful protest.
Friendship and Loyalty: The chapter emphasises the bonds between Gordon, Peter, and Aoife as they unite to help Conor. Their willingness to drop everything to prevent a robbery shows the strength of their friendship.
Peer Pressure and Bad Influence: Conor’s involvement with older boys hints at how easily a younger person can be led astray. The robbery plot serves as a tangible danger that threatens to disrupt their school lives.

Why This Chapter Matters

Chapter 27 deepens the subplot of Conor’s troubles, raising the stakes from school discipline to potential criminal activity. It also solidifies Aoife’s role as a principled character who fights for gender equality in sports. Gordon’s decision to skip Mr Cuffe’s office tightens the tension around his own precarious standing at school. The chapter sets up a crisis that will likely drive the next section of the story, forcing the friends to act quickly.

Study Questions and Answers

1. Why does Gordon decide not to go to Mr Cuffe’s office, and what does this reveal about his priorities?
Gordon knows Mr Cuffe will suspend him from the rugby team if he receives another complaint. Rugby is Gordon’s greatest passion, so he chooses to hide rather than face the consequences. This reveals that he prioritises playing rugby over academic discipline, and that he is willing to take risks to stay on the team.

2. How does Aoife respond to the criticism she received for her newspaper interview?
Aoife is not intimidated. She says her coach was proud of her for speaking out. She plans to write directly to Jeff Smythe, the columnist who dismissed her concerns, and argue that asking for equal treatment is not “whingeing.” This shows her determination and maturity.

3. What suspicions does Peter share about Conor, and how do Gordon and Aoife react?
Peter says Conor has been secretive and that he followed him with older boys who talked about a robbery. Conor claimed to have a plan and arranged to explain it in the Main Assembly Hall. Gordon and Aoife immediately decide to go and stop him, showing their protective instinct and sense of urgency.