Think about what is happening with Zero and Stanley at the end of chapter 39 and the beginning of chapter 40. Now look at the flashback that begins on the first page of chapter 40. Skim the flashback so you remember what happens inside it. Now look at the first page of chapter 41 to remember how it begins. What was the author's main purpose in including this flashback in chapter 40? (Hint: Think how the story, and your understanding, would be different without it. How does the flashback connect to Stanley and Zero's story?) The author wanted us to know that Hattie Parker was a troublemaker. The author wanted us to know that Hattie Parker was a troublemaker. It helps explain why Zero got better and didn't die. It helps explain why Zero got better and didn't die. It shows a big difference between Zero's situation and the townspeople's situation. It shows a big difference between Zero's situation and the townspeople's situation. It explains that the onions came from Sam.