Why did he make that decision at that point? Speculate on what might have happened to him earlier in his life that caused him to come to that decision at that moment?ġ2. On page 126, Matthew describes the scene when Murdoch commits himself to helping the children. Can you find examples in the book of these kinds of people?ġ1. Discuss what Murdoch’s quote means: “Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.” Give examples of each of these kinds of people. Why was it so important for the children to pretend the summer with Murdoch had never happened? What might Nikki have done if they hadn’t?ġ0. Describe several of them and discuss what caused them and what the results were.ĩ. There are several turning points in the book where the children’s lives get significantly better or worse. Would Nikki have been able to stop them and retain control of her children, as Ben feared?Ĩ. Speculate on what might have happened if Ben, Bobbie and Murdoch had intervened sooner. How did those refusals affect them mentally and emotionally?ħ. Describe how Matthew and Callie felt when no one would help them.
Discuss how the Walsh children’s lives were different from and similar to the life of the POW in the movie they watched with Murdoch. Why is it that the people you love the most are able to inflict the most pain on you?ĥ. What are some of the key events that changed Matthew’s perception of Murdoch?Ĥ. Compare Matthew’s first view of Murdoch with the way he sees him at the end of the story.
Do you think she realized the effect that it would have on her mother? How might their lives have been different if she had just gone to bed that night?ģ. What are some of the ways Matthew, Callie and Emmy survive?Ģ. There are many ways to survive in a dangerous situation.
Please answer at least one of the following questions before our meeting on April 17th.ġ.