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The Knife of Never Letting Go
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The Knife of Never Letting Go (Chaos Walking #1), by Patrick Ness, Young Adult BOM, Start Date November 22, 2014
DQs - Day 3 - Chps 13-1915) In chapter 13 we see that Viola is beginning to open up and speak to Todd. Do you see Todd's & Viola's relationship developing further? Would you like to see it develop? Do you think it is a healthy relationship? Why or why not?
I would like to see their relationship develop further but I kind of want them to stay friends.
16) Once Todd and Viola burn down the bridge they meet a woman by the name of Hildy. Hildy always calls Todd & Viola 'pup'. Why do you think she does this? Is it a term of endearment or something else?
I think it is just a term of endearment for them.
17) Todd expresses surprise when he discovers that Hildy is married "to a man with Noise". Why do you think he is so surprised? Tam is also able to quieten his Noise so that he is virtually 'normal'. Do you think that realising this of Tam that Todd may feel it could be possible for him to also learn how to do the same thing with his Noise?
I think he was surprised because he wasn't used to seeing a husband and a wife. I think that maybe in the future Todd will be able to control his Noise.
18) When Viola & Todd arrive in Farbranch, Todd is initially pleasantly surprised by the calmness of the towns people and how the Noise here is so different from Prentisstown. However, he soon discovers that the name Prentisstown turns these calm people into very angry people. Why do you think the name 'Prentisstown' has this affect on those in Farbranch?
I think that they all know something that Todd doesn't know about Prentisstown.
19) Todd & Viola are on the run from the men of Prentisstown who happen to also be gathering an army to capture Todd. Why is it so important for the Prentisstown men to capture Todd? What threat, if any, does he pose for them?
I think Todd is a pivotal person in this story but he doesn't really know what that role is yet. The people of Prentisstown need him for something in the future.
20) When Matthew goes crazy he traps Todd & Manchee in the barn. Manchee really comes into his own here when he tries to protect Todd by biting Matthew. Matthew then responds by chopping off part of Manchee's tail with his machete. How did you feel when this happened?
I have my own dog so it made me really sad when this happened. I think it was really sweet that Manchee protected him even though Todd at the moment doesn't really like him.
21) In light of the fact that Todd is only a young boy (12 years old) why is an army necessary to capture him? The only weapon he has is a knife so why can't he captured by one or two people rather than an army?
I am a little confused on the fact that he can't be captured by just a few people considering he doesn't know anything about where he is or what he is running from.
Day 2 - Chapters 7-12 - DQs6. So the "quiet" was a girl. She's wearing clothes similar to Todd's but newer. So much newer, they look like a uniform. When I first read this part my immediate thought was that perhaps that was the big secret -- the women/girls hadn't all died, but instead might be sequestered somewhere else like a concentration camp? What were your initial thoughts about the girl & where she might have come from?
Ha ha! That was my idea too, but I am not sure this girl has any idea about Todd or the Noise. She seemed really scared.
7. How in the world did Aaron survive being drug off by a crocodile? His Noise is louder and crazier than everyone else's. I'm beginning to wonder if there isn't more to Aaron. Any thoughts on where Aaron might fit in? I don't think I believe he is truly dead. What do you think? Will we be seeing more of him in the future?
I don't like him at all!! And I really wished for that crocodile to have Aaron for dinner.
8. Aaron referred to the girl as "The Holy Sacrament", "The Sign from God", and "The Path of the Saint". He also pictured the girl drinking wine and partaking of the host. These all seem to have significant Catholic undertones. What part do you think religion might play as the novel continues?
I am not sure. If I remember there was a scene where Todd talked about the church and the noise of the prayers.
9. Aaron ultimately envisioned the girl being sacrificed. Could that be the big secret? Do you think that is what happened to all the women/girls?
Maybe they are sacrificed because they are seen as a threat, not producing Noise and all that. Plus if I was one of the women in the story and able to hear all men think about me with little clothes on... I would probably run for my life!
10. The air ship, and the surrounding greenery, seem to be still smoking making it seem the crash just happened -- or at least not that long ago. They haven't gone that far from the outskirts of Prentisstown. You would think somebody saw or heard something. Could that be why Aaron was spending so much time in the swamp? Do you think the kids are in more danger than just people looking for Todd?
I think Aaron knew about the crash. Since the girl seems the only girl around, maybe that's why Aaron referred to her as "The Sign from God"!
11. The girl seems to not react like you would think she would if the dead couple were in fact her parents. Does anyone else think that there is going to be more to the girl's story? Something that's going to be revealed later -- a big prophecy perhaps, or somehow she's the pivotal point in some larger story?
Maybe they weren't related? Or she might be in such a shock that can't react like one would in that situation.
12. The descriptions of the Mayor and his circle in the first chapters were very reminiscent of societies usually portrayed in dystopian novels. Those novels however are usually set many years into that society -- after the society is fully formed, complete control, a supreme ruler -- this seems to be how you would imagine one of those societies would begin: burning books, outlawing school, etc. Do you think their break-off settlement could have been from a larger similar society?
I really like the atmosphere of a dystopian universe but without the high-futuristic machinery. Or at least there aren't any now.
13. There have been slight references to the world they inhabit that mark it as different from ours. Two moons. The cassor (bird like creatures). The Spackle. Have you noticed any other different traits?
I am pretty sure we're not in Kansas anymore, Toto!
14. Manchee makes me think of Oberon from the Iron Druid Chronicles, although with a bit less vocabulary. While it might, on occasion, be fun to hear what an animal is thinking, I don't think I would want it to be constant influx. The girl at first didn't seem to be able to hear the Noise, she also hasn't spoken. Why do you think she hasn't tried to communicate in any way verbally with Todd?
If the girl met Aaron before, I think she is just scared of anyone with the Noise and she is not sure if she could trust Todd.
15) In chapter 13 we see that Viola is beginning to open up and speak to Todd. Do you see Todd's & Viola's relationship developing further? Would you like to see it develop? Do you think it is a healthy relationship? Why or why not? no I would rather see a friendship blossom than a romantic one. They are to young for that. 16) Once Todd and Viola burn down the bridge they meet a woman by the name of Hildy. Hildy always calls Todd & Viola 'pup'. Why do you think she does this? Is it a term of endearment or something else? yes it is a term of engagement but it also reminds them that she is older and wiser than them.
17) Todd expresses surprise when he discovers that Hildy is married "to a man with Noise". Why do you think he is so surprised? Tam is also able to quieten his Noise so that he is virtually 'normal'. Do you think that realising this of Tam that Todd may feel it could be possible for him to also learn how to do the same thing with his Noise? his surprise is that she lives with a man who hasn't killed her with his noise germs and yes I think he already realised it's possible to quieten his noise and hide stuff through Ben.
18) When Viola & Todd arrive in Farbranch, Todd is initially pleasantly surprised by the calmness of the towns people and how the Noise here is so different from Prentisstown. However, he soon discovers that the name Prentisstown turns these calm people into very angry people. Why do you think the name 'Prentisstown' has this affect on those in Farbranch? because they know the truth of what happened there.
19) Todd & Viola are on the run from the men of Prentisstown who happen to also be gathering an army to capture Todd. Why is it so important for the Prentisstown men to capture Todd? What threat, if any, does he pose for them?. I'm not sure what they are going yo do with him but I don't think Todd poses any threat to them more that they need him for something.
20) When Matthew goes crazy he traps Todd & Manchee in the barn. Manchee really comes into his own here when he tries to protect Todd by biting Matthew. Matthew then responds by chopping off part of Manchee's tail with his machete. How did you feel when this happened? I thought it was an entertaining chapter and liked how Todd and manchee are protecting each other.
21) In light of the fact that Todd is only a young boy (12 years old) why is an army necessary to capture him? The only weapon he has is a knife so why can't he captured by one or two people rather than an army? I think it's their aim to not only capture Todd but kill the towns as well
DQs - Day 3 - Chps 13-1915) In chapter 13 we see that Viola is beginning to open up and speak to Todd. Do you see Todd's & Viola's relationship developing further? Would you like to see it develop? Do you think it is a healthy relationship? Why or why not?
I think they will become close friends because he saved her from Aaron and they both are trying to find safety.
16) Once Todd and Viola burn down the bridge they meet a woman by the name of Hildy. Hildy always calls Todd & Viola 'pup'. Why do you think she does this? Is it a term of endearment or something else?
I think it is meant to be a term of endearment. Todd is not too happy about it, but Hildy means it affectionately.
17) Todd expresses surprise when he discovers that Hildy is married "to a man with Noise". Why do you think he is so surprised? Tam is also able to quieten his Noise so that he is virtually 'normal'. Do you think that realising this of Tam that Todd may feel it could be possible for him to also learn how to do the same thing with his Noise?
I think Tam gives Todd his first realization that he could try to control the Noise. Todd is also starting to realize that men outside of Prentisstown are different.
18) When Viola & Todd arrive in Farbranch, Todd is initially pleasantly surprised by the calmness of the towns people and how the Noise here is so different from Prentisstown. However, he soon discovers that the name Prentisstown turns these calm people into very angry people. Why do you think the name 'Prentisstown' has this affect on those in Farbranch?
I think people from Farbranch are scared of people from Prentisstown. It makes me think that something really bad happened in Prentisstown history and that they have a bad reputation.
19) Todd & Viola are on the run from the men of Prentisstown who happen to also be gathering an army to capture Todd. Why is it so important for the Prentisstown men to capture Todd? What threat, if any, does he pose for them?
At this point I can't figure out why Todd is being hunted by the men of Prentisstown. Whatever it is it can't be good.
20) When Matthew goes crazy he traps Todd & Manchee in the barn. Manchee really comes into his own here when he tries to protect Todd by biting Matthew. Matthew then responds by chopping off part of Manchee's tail with his machete. How did you feel when this happened?
I was so relieved that he survived the attack, and was proud of Manchee for protecting Todd. Good dog Manchee.
21) In light of the fact that Todd is only a young boy (12 years old) why is an army necessary to capture him? The only weapon he has is a knife so why can't he captured by one or two people rather than an army?
It doesn't make too much sense..they must have no other way to track him down. Really sets up the suspense of why they need Todd so badly.
Stacie wrote: "Also, way late in the book (like part 6) [spoilers removed]"I wanted to scream and cry!
DQs - Day 3 - Chps 13-1915) In chapter 13 we see that Viola is beginning to open up and speak to Todd. Do you see Todd's & Viola's relationship developing further? Would you like to see it develop? Do you think it is a healthy relationship? Why or why not?
They are running away from bad things together. It's only natural for them to become close. It's kind of hard to spend days with someone alone and not at least come to some mutual understanding.
16) Once Todd and Viola burn down the bridge they meet a woman by the name of Hildy. Hildy always calls Todd & Viola 'pup'. Why do you think she does this? Is it a term of endearment or something else?
I think she calls them that because they're children. Todd makes it clear that he's not yet a man. Maybe 'pup' is their way of saying child.
17) Todd expresses surprise when he discovers that Hildy is married "to a man with Noise". Why do you think he is so surprised? Tam is also able to quieten his Noise so that he is virtually 'normal'. Do you think that realizing this of Tam that Todd may feel it could be possible for him to also learn how to do the same thing with his Noise?
Todd was taught and raised with the idea that the Noise killed all the women. With a man with Noise and a woman married, Todd would naturally wonder why she's still alive. I think that anything would be possible. Tam did say that it took a lot of practice. Todd mentions that people can be found through their Noise. I think he'd have to learn to control it if he doesn't want to be found.
18) When Viola & Todd arrive in Farbranch, Todd is initially pleasantly surprised by the calmness of the towns people and how the Noise here is so different from Prentisstown. However, he soon discovers that the name Prentisstown turns these calm people into very angry people. Why do you think the name 'Prentisstown' has this affect on those in Farbranch?
Prentisstown seems to me like a very hateful town. Most if not all of the men there are angry. They lost their daughters, their wives. In Farbranch, there are children and women and I feel that since these men haven't 'lost' their families, they don't have that sort of suffering to deal with.
19) Todd & Viola are on the run from the men of Prentisstown who happen to also be gathering an army to capture Todd. Why is it so important for the Prentisstown men to capture Todd? What threat, if any, does he pose for them?
I mentioned before that with Todd as a young boy, not yet a man, he seems to be a key to something. He's the only one who hasn't gone through Prentisstown's initiation. I suspect the the men are trying to hide something from him. Without even knowing, Todd might release secrets that the Mayor and his people don't want others to know.
20) When Matthew goes crazy he traps Todd & Manchee in the barn. Manchee really comes into his own here when he tries to protect Todd by biting Matthew. Matthew then responds by chopping off part of Manchee's tail with his machete. How did you feel when this happened?
I felt horrified. I wasn't sad. I was more worried about the fact that Matthew would go to such great lengths to be rid of Todd.
21) In light of the fact that Todd is only a young boy (12 years old) why is an army necessary to capture him? The only weapon he has is a knife so why can't he captured by one or two people rather than an army?
As I said, Todd probably unknowingly knows something. Maybe he thinks that since he could get away from Mr. Prentiss Jr. and Aaron, they need an entire army to take him down.
Day three - up to chapter 36Oh Manchee, Manchee, Manchee... What a cruel, horrible turn. I was so hoping he would stay till the end of the story, such a brave dog... :(
Viola and Todd has gone through a lot during this part of the plot. Some of the events seem so unlikely, what with Ben meeting them suddenly... I also feel a little tired with the whole concept of constant escape. I appreciate the structural need for this - due to Viola and Todd's journey we may learn a lot about the New World (I especially like those pieces when we find out how various settlements deal with the Noise, ei. music), but still I feel it stretches too much and starts to be totally unrealistic.
I wasn't very shocked after Ben's revelations about the past of Prentisstown. As I expected, men killed women, because they didn't have the Noise, and thus were out of control... Nevertheless, the story is tragic and violent.
I'm curious how this book ends, but I have a strong suspicion that there is a cliffhanger lurking...
Stacie wrote: "Also, way late in the book (like part 6) [spoilers removed]"i should not have read this >_> T_T
Maggieoh wrote: "As an aside/personal question: is anyone thinking of buying this series now that you're partway through the first book? I'm a little past halfway through and am really enjoying it. The things we'..."
oh yeah.. .will definitely read all of them!
well then.. i found myself suddenly on chapter 21. And i had to force myself to stop >_< so i wouldn't get 2 far ahead of everyone :|Day 2 - Chapters 7-12 - DQs
6. So the "quiet" was a girl. She's wearing clothes similar to Todd's but newer. So much newer, they look like a uniform. When I first read this part my immediate thought was that perhaps that was the big secret -- the women/girls hadn't all died, but instead might be sequestered somewhere else like a concentration camp? What were your initial thoughts about the girl & where she might have come from?
I felt that she came from another town or something. Or that she somehow survived the vírus, and had stolen the clothes.
7. How in the world did Aaron survive being drug off by a crocodile? His Noise is louder and crazier than everyone else's. I'm beginning to wonder if there isn't more to Aaron. Any thoughts on where Aaron might fit in? I don't think I believe he is truly dead. What do you think? Will we be seeing more of him in the future?
yup.. can't believe the creep survived the attack. My thoughts were: "holy maccaroni.. how on earth did he managed that????". I came to 3 possible conclusions:
1 - the sheriff and Mayor got to him while he was wrestling the croc
2 - he is a modern, crazier version of crocadile dundee o_o
3 - he is a Sparcle!
But he is godam creepy and crazy. But i agree with some of the posts. He and the Mayor are going to be the big bad guys.
8. Aaron referred to the girl as "The Holy Sacrament", "The Sign from God", and "The Path of the Saint". He also pictured the girl drinking wine and partaking of the host. These all seem to have significant Catholic undertones. What part do you think religion might play as the novel continues?
I hope not much, but you see a few signs that religion plays an important part in the colony. The mentioning of the Church and going to Church.. Aaron's religious mumbo jumbo. I think it also might have something to do with why the girls are missing.
9. Aaron ultimately envisioned the girl being sacrificed. Could that be the big secret? Do you think that is what happened to all the women/girls?
I think that it is part of the big secret, but not just that. I do believe girls/women were sacrificed or maybe killed in the ritual to becoming a man, like somebody suggested it.
10. The air ship, and the surrounding greenery, seem to be still smoking making it seem the crash just happened -- or at least not that long ago. They haven't gone that far from the outskirts of Prentisstown. You would think somebody saw or heard something. Could that be why Aaron was spending so much time in the swamp? Do you think the kids are in more danger than just people looking for Todd?
I found it very strange that nobody heard/saw the crash. Granted Todd says in the beggining that the men don't go in the swamp anymore, that that is a kid's job, but still. It's close enough to the town, that they should have heard something.
I do think Aaron found the girl first, and which is why he was lurking around in the swamp.
11. The girl seems to not react like you would think she would if the dead couple were in fact her parents. Does anyone else think that there is going to be more to the girl's story? Something that's going to be revealed later -- a big prophecy perhaps, or somehow she's the pivotal point in some larger story?
I assumed the girl didn't talk, because she was in shock. People have differente reactions to traumatic situations. But now you have me wondering if she is really telling the truth or not >_<
12. The descriptions of the Mayor and his circle in the first chapters were very reminiscent of societies usually portrayed in dystopian novels. Those novels however are usually set many years into that society -- after the society is fully formed, complete control, a supreme ruler -- this seems to be how you would imagine one of those societies would begin: burning books, outlawing school, etc. Do you think their break-off settlement could have been from a larger similar society?
The keep giving us hints about settlers, so i think they did come from a larger society.
(view spoiler)
13. There have been slight references to the world they inhabit that mark it as different from ours. Two moons. The cassor (bird like creatures). The Spackle. Have you noticed any other different traits?
Oh Viola's gadjets! They sounded awesome! The campfire box and the binoculars! I WANT THEM!
Also, the apples that Todd initially went to pick up from the swamp were supposed to be black.
14. Manchee makes me think of Oberon from the Iron Druid Chronicles, although with a bit less vocabulary. While it might, on occasion, be fun to hear what an animal is thinking, I don't think I would want it to be constant influx. The girl at first didn't seem to be able to hear the Noise, she also hasn't spoken. Why do you think she hasn't tried to communicate in any way verbally with Todd?
Oh gawd i absolutely LOVE Oberon! He is amazing! Manchee seems to be a bit less inteligent.
Personally, i would love to have my pets talk to me (don't have any atm, but i did before). Not the constant flow but something like Oberon.
Considering what she's been through.. she crashed, lost her parents, may or may not have run into Aaron who might have done Gawd knows what to her. She's in a different planet, alone, and she finds the people here hostile (Aaron) and that she can hear their thoughts. She probably is still in shock with all of it and she needs time to ajust and to trust Todd, to be able to talk to him.
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DQs - Day 3 - Chps 13-19
15) In chapter 13 we see that Viola is beginning to open up and speak to Todd. Do you see Todd's & Viola's relationship developing further? Would you like to see it develop? Do you think it is a healthy relationship? Why or why not?
I agree with most of you. I hope it doesn't turn into a relationship. I mean.. they are 12-13! I do see it developing, but not sure if it's in a healthy way. The way that Todd just jumped in front of her when Michael initially confronts them.. and how they she is acting towards him sometimes, specially in Hildy's house.. we shall see.
16) Once Todd and Viola burn down the bridge they meet a woman by the name of Hildy. Hildy always calls Todd & Viola 'pup'. Why do you think she does this? Is it a term of endearment or something else?
I think it is. It's endearment plus them being young and innocent.
17) Todd expresses surprise when he discovers that Hildy is married "to a man with Noise". Why do you think he is so surprised? Tam is also able to quieten his Noise so that he is virtually 'normal'. Do you think that realising this of Tam that Todd may feel it could be possible for him to also learn how to do the same thing with his Noise?
Todd... gets on my nerves sometimes. But then again, he's 12 years old, and all he knew were the stuff people from Prentisstown told him. Which apparently were all lies.
He looks surprised with almost everything, because he grew up thinking the opposite. He didn't think it was possible for women to be alive, because he was told they died from the vírus that created the noise. Turns out, he finds himself face to face with a live woman, who lives with an "infected" husband.
18) When Viola & Todd arrive in Farbranch, Todd is initially pleasantly surprised by the calmness of the towns people and how the Noise here is so different from Prentisstown. However, he soon discovers that the name Prentisstown turns these calm people into very angry people. Why do you think the name 'Prentisstown' has this affect on those in Farbranch?
I think Prentisstown started out a good town, just like all the others. And then at some point it turned evil. It's so bad, that they don't even accept adult men in Farbranch. I'm dieing to know wth happened >_< i think it has to do with the sacrifice of the women and the manhood ritual.
19) Todd & Viola are on the run from the men of Prentisstown who happen to also be gathering an army to capture Todd. Why is it so important for the Prentisstown men to capture Todd? What threat, if any, does he pose for them?
I have no idea. I mean he's a 12 year old kid.. come on... an army???? I think it might have something to do with his mom's diary. Ben and Cillian were trying to get him out of town before he turned 13, so they knew something bad was going to happen. And i think i agree with the "power theory". The Mayor can only keep the town at his feet and obbeying him, if he can control everything and everyone. And when Todd escapes, that's a breach in his control over town. So he needs to fix it ASAP!
20) When Matthew goes crazy he traps Todd & Manchee in the barn. Manchee really comes into his own here when he tries to protect Todd by biting Matthew. Matthew then responds by chopping off part of Manchee's tail with his machete. How did you feel when this happened?
Oh boy i was so sad. I thought for sure he was a gonner! Then i realized it was just a chopped tail. But still.. poor Manchee! can i take him home to cuddle? T_T
DQs for Part I - Chapters 1-61) The Book starts with introducing this concept of the Noise and Todd can hear his dog's thoughts. Todd does not seem to like his dog. How do you think this relationship might develop? Do you think Todd will grow to feel differently about his dog? Do you think the relationship might grow and change?
This is a reread for me, so I'll try to work around any spoilers. I love Manchee! I would be so happy to have a talking dog! :D
2) We have learned that Todd is the only remaining boy in his town, everyone else has moved on to manhood, at 13 years old. There seems to be some secret initiation, secrets that the boys are kept from that are revealed when they become men. Why do you think this might be?
I think any secret initiation is going to be bad. Why keep it such a secret if it's harmless?
3) Aaron was defenitely introduced as an ominous character from the jump. It was strange that he was in the marsh when Todd was and kind of popped up out of nowhere. What do you think Aaron was up to? Do you think he knew about the girl or the absence of noise?
I'm not sure what he was up to. It almost seemed like he knew the girl was there and was trying to find her. Or maybe he wanted to see what Todd was up to?
4) I was getting a little concerned when Ben and Cillian were trying to get Todd the hell out of dodge and Todd was being so resistant. What were you feelings around this.
I would have listened to them the first time around. They obviously knew something Todd didn't. I kept wanting him to RUN!
5) I was wondering if women/girls don't hear the Noise and if that has something to do with why they are all gone. When Todd finds the absence of Noise he doesn't find a Spackle, (whatever that is?) but he finds a girl. Any speculation about this?
Well, I think it would be rare enough that women/girls would be easy to find if you try hard enough. I don't know/forgot why women don't have noise.
DQ's for Chapters 13-1915. I don't really want the to have a romance as I think that would change the whole nature of the book, at least at the moment, maybe in another book of the series
16. I think 'pup' is just a term of endearment
17. I guess he thought that people with noise infect people so he was surprised that Hildy would survive. He is perhaps seeing that noise doesn't have to be so uncontrolled. Perhaps it is just making him think a bit about the fact that things can be different from what he has known up to now
18. I am intrigued about what must have happened in Prentisstown. But I've no idea
19. Perhaps Todd is going to find out a truth they have been trying to hide?
20. I was hoping that Manchee hadn't been killed. I felt myself holding my breath and was relieved that it was his tail that got injured. I thought it was really sweet how the dog reacted to being injured
21. Well I was wondering the same thing about the army,no idea at the moment
Chapters 7-12 6. So the "quiet" was a girl. She's wearing clothes similar to Todd's but newer. So much newer, they look like a uniform. When I first read this part my immediate thought was that perhaps that was the big secret -- the women/girls hadn't all died, but instead might be sequestered somewhere else like a concentration camp? What were your initial thoughts about the girl & where she might have come from?
As I said, I read the prequel to this trilogy so I know who the girl was. Little bit of a spoiler I realize that now.
7. How in the world did Aaron survive being drug off by a crocodile? His Noise is louder and crazier than everyone else's. I'm beginning to wonder if there isn't more to Aaron. Any thoughts on where Aaron might fit in? I don't think I believe he is truly dead. What do you think? Will we be seeing more of him in the future?
My thoughts exactly. How crazy it is that Aaron survived twice? He’s such a seedy character that I’m wary of him more than I am of the Mayor.
8. Aaron referred to the girl as "The Holy Sacrament", "The Sign from God", and "The Path of the Saint". He also pictured the girl drinking wine and partaking of the host. These all seem to have significant Catholic undertones. What part do you think religion might play as the novel continues?
I have no idea since I am not a Roman Catholic.
9. Aaron ultimately envisioned the girl being sacrificed. Could that be the big secret? Do you think that is what happened to all the women/girls?
I think maybe they sacrificed women because of a wayward belief they had of which we still have to know more about.
10. The air ship, and the surrounding greenery, seem to be still smoking making it seem the crash just happened -- or at least not that long ago. They haven't gone that far from the outskirts of Prentisstown. You would think somebody saw or heard something. Could that be why Aaron was spending so much time in the swamp? Do you think the kids are in more danger than just people looking for Todd?
Yes, I think they are mostly because of the girl.
11. The girl seems to not react like you would think she would if the dead couple were in fact her parents. Does anyone else think that there is going to be more to the girl's story? Something that's going to be revealed later -- a big prophecy perhaps, or somehow she's the pivotal point in some larger story?
I hated the girl’s indifference and lack of reactions. It’s obvious she understands what’s being said but I don’t get why she chooses to keep quiet and act stupid.
12. The descriptions of the Mayor and his circle in the first chapters were very reminiscent of societies usually portrayed in dystopian novels. Those novels however are usually set many years into that society -- after the society is fully formed, complete control, a supreme ruler -- this seems to be how you would imagine one of those societies would begin: burning books, outlawing school, etc. Do you think their break-off settlement could have been from a larger similar society?
I don’t think so. I think their settlement is more of a result of some advocacy by the Mayor and that advocacy sounds twisted.
13. There have been slight references to the world they inhabit that mark it as different from ours. Two moons. The cassor (bird like creatures). The Spackle. Have you noticed any other different traits?
They hear each other’s thoughts.
14. Manchee makes me think of Oberon from the Iron Druid Chronicles, although with a bit less vocabulary. While it might, on occasion, be fun to hear what an animal is thinking, I don't think I would want it to be constant influx. The girl at first didn't seem to be able to hear the Noise, she also hasn't spoken. Why do you think she hasn't tried to communicate in any way verbally with Todd?
I can’t think of any intelligent reason why the girl opted to keep mum the whole time.
Reading Progress: Finished part II (Chapter 12)DQs for Part I - Chapters 1-6
1) The Book starts with introducing this concept of the Noise and Todd can hear his dog's thoughts. Todd does not seem to like his dog. How do you think this relationship might develop? Do you think Todd will grow to feel differently about his dog? Do you think the relationship might grow and change?
Apparently it seems that Todd doesn't like Manchee but reading further one can easily understand that it's just the apparent behaviour and not Todd's true feelings for Manchhe. Sure, Todd didn't ask for a dog on his birthday and he was annoyed because he had to take care of him but deep down Todd loved Manchee.
2) We have learned that Todd is the only remaining boy in his town, everyone else has moved on to manhood, at 13 years old. There seems to be some secret initiation, secrets that the boys are kept from that are revealed when they become men. Why do you think this might be?
It's hard to guess since the concept of the New World is brand new but it is probably something regarding the Spackles. Todd doesn't seem to know a lot about them except for the fact that they spread the Noise germ in Prentisstown. So probably the secret has something to do with that and definitely there are lot more.
3) Aaron was definitely introduced as an ominous character from the jump. It was strange that he was in the marsh when Todd was and kind of popped up out of nowhere. What do you think Aaron was up to? Do you think he knew about the girl or the absence of noise?
I'm not sure what Aaron was doing in the swamp in the first place! But since he knew something secretive related to the last boy in the town, i.e., Todd, could it be that he was following Todd?
And of course, he was devious. I don't think he knew about the girl beforehand but he discovered the silence almost at the same time as Todd and Manchee did.
4) I was getting a little concerned when Ben and Cillian were trying to get Todd the hell out of dodge and Todd was being so resistant. What were you feelings around this.
Concerned- yes, a little. But I was more curious to know the reason behind all these! The reason why Ben and Cillian were trying to send Todd away. And more importantly, to where?
5) I was wondering if women/girls don't hear the Noise and if that has something to do with why they are all gone. When Todd finds the absence of Noise he doesn't find a Spackle, (whatever that is?) but he finds a girl. Any speculation about this?
Can't comment on this surely at this moment but I don't think it's true. There is probably some other reason behind the death of all the women. I'm saying this because clearly Viola can hear Todd's thoughts even though Todd can't hear Viola's.
Day 2 - Chapters 7-12 - DQs
6. So the "quiet" was a girl. She's wearing clothes similar to Todd's but newer. So much newer, they look like a uniform. When I first read this part my immediate thought was that perhaps that was the big secret -- the women/girls hadn't all died, but instead might be sequestered somewhere else like a concentration camp? What were your initial thoughts about the girl & where she might have come from?
Since the girl didn't look like any girl or woman Todd has seen in vids and in the Noise of other men, my initial thought was she was from somewhere other than Prentisstown. Some place that the inhabitants of the town weren't aware of.
7. How in the world did Aaron survive being drug off by a crocodile? His Noise is louder and crazier than everyone else's. I'm beginning to wonder if there isn't more to Aaron. Any thoughts on where Aaron might fit in? I don't think I believe he is truly dead. What do you think? Will we be seeing more of him in the future?
That was beyond my imagination- surviving after being attacked by a crocodile (:O). This part a little exaggerated, don't you think? But however it was that he survived, this Aaron is pure evil. >_<
8. Aaron referred to the girl as "The Holy Sacrament", "The Sign from God", and "The Path of the Saint". He also pictured the girl drinking wine and partaking of the host. These all seem to have significant Catholic undertones. What part do you think religion might play as the novel continues?
I don't know anything about Catholic rituals but I think, yes, religion has some role to play in the story. The Church seems quite a significant part of the town and more so since Aaron is associated with it.
9. Aaron ultimately envisioned the girl being sacrificed. Could that be the big secret? Do you think that is what happened to all the women/girls?
It's like some kind of Prophecy, I think. It is possible that all the women and girls were sacrificed in the same way. But then, Viola seems to have appeared from somewhere else in the space ship (or whatever it was) with her parents. So she probably has her own unique destiny.
10. The air ship, and the surrounding greenery, seem to be still smoking making it seem the crash just happened -- or at least not that long ago. They haven't gone that far from the outskirts of Prentisstown. You would think somebody saw or heard something. Could that be why Aaron was spending so much time in the swamp? Do you think the kids are in more danger than just people looking for Todd?
That could be the reason for Aaron spending time in the swamp, hadn't give it a thought before. Yes, it could be.
I feel really bad for Ben and Cillian. Though it's not yet revealed what happened to them but surely the Mayor wouldn't treat them well after what Cillian did to Davy.
11. The girl seems to not react like you would think she would if the dead couple were in fact her parents. Does anyone else think that there is going to be more to the girl's story? Something that's going to be revealed later -- a big prophecy perhaps, or somehow she's the pivotal point in some larger story?
Definitely, the girl has a bigger story for sure. But I do think the dead couple were her parents. Rest we'll have to read and find out.
12. The descriptions of the Mayor and his circle in the first chapters were very reminiscent of societies usually portrayed in dystopian novels. Those novels however are usually set many years into that society -- after the society is fully formed, complete control, a supreme ruler -- this seems to be how you would imagine one of those societies would begin: burning books, outlawing school, etc. Do you think their break-off settlement could have been from a larger similar society?
Yeah, it's like a whole new world that we generally get to see in dystopian and Fantasy novels. Seems like the Mayor and his circle of trusted people had their reasons for abolishing education. And I think it is due to some sort of prophecy regarding Todd, the last boy of Prentisstown.
13. There have been slight references to the world they inhabit that mark it as different from ours. Two moons. The cassor (bird like creatures). The Spackle. Have you noticed any other different traits?
Yes, a few,
1. The Noise
2. All the animals and creatures can talk.
3. Their year consists of 13 months instead of 12. Todd is 12 years and 12 months old and he'll turn thirteen exactly in one month's time.
14. Manchee makes me think of Oberon from the Iron Druid Chronicles, although with a bit less vocabulary. While it might, on occasion, be fun to hear what an animal is thinking, I don't think I would want it to be constant influx. The girl at first didn't seem to be able to hear the Noise, she also hasn't spoken. Why do you think she hasn't tried to communicate in any way verbally with Todd?
Manchee is so adorable! I totally love him! A talking dog-wow! :)
The girl hasn't communicated with Todd presumably out of fear. She was unsure whether to trust Todd or not. You couldn't really blame her. She was alone, lost and quite understandably scared. But after realizing that Todd would do her no harm (the incident on The Bridge), she started to open herself up.
DQs for Part 4: Chapters 20 – 2522. Prentisstown men are marching and kicking down door in Farbranch. Todd goes through the list of men he sees and notices Ben and Cillian aren’t there. He says, “If they ain’t there, then that means once and for all. And there’s yer lesson. There ain’t nothing good that don’t got real bad waiting to follow it.” Why do you think Ben and Cillian are absent from the group?
23. Do you think it is wise of Todd and Viola to choose not to go into any other settlement other than Haven, in case the army follows them and destroys it like they did in Farbranch? Also put into consideration about Cillian’s letter are warning to Farbranch.
24. The book. As Viola reads the letter from Cillian in Todd’s mother’s book, “There are things you don’t know about our history, Todd, and I’m sorry for that but if you knew them you would be in great danger. The only chance you have of a welcome is yer innocence.” What mysteries do you think has happened in their history? Why would his innocence be his only chance? Do you think it has anything to do with no women/girls especially since there are women in other settlements?
25. Also, in the letter from Cillian it states, “the wider world has to be warned, Todd. Prentisstown is on the move. The plan has been in the works for years, only waiting for the last boy in Prentisstown to become a man.” Do you still think the army is after Todd? Why doesn’t the wider world need to be warned?
26. Crickets that chirping “sex sex sex”, dogs that you can hear their thoughts and they can hear yours, giant cows saying “Here”, horses thinking “snake”. Do you think the Noise they hear is a universal language for anyone and everyone to understand?
27. We learn a little more about Aaron and his preaching of hellfire, damnanyshun, judgement, and end of the world? Why would he be preaching this is it’s a somewhat newish settlement?
28. Do you think Viola is right when she says that Todd that he has an army after him who wants to make him a killer? That if they can make him a killer they can make anyone a killer?
29. Todd and Voila meet a Spackle. The Spackle is skinning a fish and very scared by Todd and the knife. Todd kills him with the knife. What are your thoughts about this scene?
30. Aaron has re-appeared. He knocks out Voila (I assume with something like chloroform) and knocks out Todd but before knocking out Todd says, “I have no further use for you, boy.” Any thoughts to what happens next?
DQs for Part 4: Chapters 20 – 2522. Prentisstown men are marching and kicking down door in Farbranch. Todd goes through the list of men he sees and notices Ben and Cillian aren’t there. He says, “If they ain’t there, then that means once and for all. And there’s yer lesson. There ain’t nothing good that don’t got real bad waiting to follow it.” Why do you think Ben and Cillian are absent from the group? I do think they didnt make it unfortunately.
23. Do you think it is wise of Todd and Viola to choose not to go into any other settlement other than Haven, in case the army follows them and destroys it like they did in Farbranch? Also put into consideration about Cillian’s letter are warning to Farbranch. Yes I agree with Todd that their noise of their introducing would have drawn the army to them.
24. The book. As Viola reads the letter from Cillian in Todd’s mother’s book, “There are things you don’t know about our history, Todd, and I’m sorry for that but if you knew them you would be in great danger. The only chance you have of a welcome is yer innocence.” What mysteries do you think has happened in their history? Why would his innocence be his only chance? Do you think it has anything to do with no women/girls especially since there are women in other settlements? Im so clueless about where this book is heading which is wonderful so many books these days are predictable as hell but Im surprised by all the twists and turns this book is making.
25. Also, in the letter from Cillian it states, “the wider world has to be warned, Todd. Prentisstown is on the move. The plan has been in the works for years, only waiting for the last boy in Prentisstown to become a man.” Do you still think the army is after Todd? Why doesn’t the wider world need to be warned? Again no clues Im hoping the answers will be in this book but I think some of these will be answered in the following books.
26. Crickets that chirping “sex sex sex”, dogs that you can hear their thoughts and they can hear yours, giant cows saying “Here”, horses thinking “snake”. Do you think the Noise they hear is a universal language for anyone and everyone to understand? Yes but its odd that they can hear the language of the animals as English.
27. We learn a little more about Aaron and his preaching of hellfire, damnanyshun, judgement, and end of the world? Why would he be preaching this is it’s a somewhat newish settlement? Becuase what happened in the war that is yet to be revealed, maybe something to do with the aliens?
28. Do you think Viola is right when she says that Todd that he has an army after him who wants to make him a killer? That if they can make him a killer they can make anyone a killer? No Im not sure that makes too much sense to me I think there is another reason.
29. Todd and Voila meet a Spackle. The Spackle is skinning a fish and very scared by Todd and the knife. Todd kills him with the knife. What are your thoughts about this scene? I was shocked the book didnt go where I wanted it to ... in that Todd meets Spackle, Todd sees Spackle is scared but friendly, Todd and Spackle become best friends.
30. Aaron has re-appeared. He knocks out Voila (I assume with something like chloroform) and knocks out Todd but before knocking out Todd says, “I have no further use for you, boy.” Any thoughts to what happens next? Why couldnt Aaron instead of the Spackle be dead sigh. I dont know whats going to happen next hopefully a Spackle army will kill Aaron.
DQs for Part 4: Chapters 20 – 2522. Prentisstown men are marching and kicking down door in Farbranch. Todd goes through the list of men he sees and notices Ben and Cillian aren’t there. He says, “If they ain’t there, then that means once and for all. And there’s yer lesson. There ain’t nothing good that don’t got real bad waiting to follow it.” Why do you think Ben and Cillian are absent from the group? I think that maybe they don't want to go along with the army to kill their "son" and that perhaps they aren't as evil as the rest of the Prentisstown men seem to be.
23. Do you think it is wise of Todd and Viola to choose not to go into any other settlement other than Haven, in case the army follows them and destroys it like they did in Farbranch? Also put into consideration about Cillian’s letter are warning to Farbranch. I think Todd is trying to minimize the destruction that is being caused by his leaving. Viola seems to be a good influence on him.
24. The book. As Viola reads the letter from Cillian in Todd’s mother’s book, “There are things you don’t know about our history, Todd, and I’m sorry for that but if you knew them you would be in great danger. The only chance you have of a welcome is yer innocence.” What mysteries do you think has happened in their history? Why would his innocence be his only chance? Do you think it has anything to do with no women/girls especially since there are women in other settlements? I wonder if his innocence helps him to feel better about leaving even if everyone is after him. I'm not sure what happened in their history but I am willing to guess it has something to do with wiping out all the women and Todd's mom was lucky enough to get what she could down on paper.
25. Also, in the letter from Cillian it states, “the wider world has to be warned, Todd. Prentisstown is on the move. The plan has been in the works for years, only waiting for the last boy in Prentisstown to become a man.” Do you still think the army is after Todd? Why doesn’t the wider world need to be warned? If they aren't after Todd, they're after the book or maybe Viola. Maybe Todd's mom or Cillian said something they shouldn't have?
26. Crickets that chirping “sex sex sex”, dogs that you can hear their thoughts and they can hear yours, giant cows saying “Here”, horses thinking “snake”. Do you think the Noise they hear is a universal language for anyone and everyone to understand? It's like the translator in Hitchhiker's Guide to The Galaxy. It transmits to you in a way you can understand.
27. We learn a little more about Aaron and his preaching of hellfire, damnanyshun, judgement, and end of the world? Why would he be preaching this is it’s a somewhat newish settlement? Because he's weird and creepy!
28. Do you think Viola is right when she says that Todd that he has an army after him who wants to make him a killer? That if they can make him a killer they can make anyone a killer? I don't think I fully believe this. I see that Viola trusts Todd to do the right thing and she is suggesting perhaps now it's just a game to them to see if they can make Todd a killer but I don't think that the two are mutually exclusive.
29. Todd and Voila meet a Spackle. The Spackle is skinning a fish and very scared by Todd and the knife. Todd kills him with the knife. What are your thoughts about this scene? I thought it was commentary about being scared of what we don't know and lashing out with violence instead of attempting to gain understanding.
30. Aaron has re-appeared. He knocks out Voila (I assume with something like chloroform) and knocks out Todd but before knocking out Todd says, “I have no further use for you, boy.” Any thoughts to what happens next? Bad bad bad things. There are a couple more books, right so clearly, Todd is okay but nothing good can come from Aaron.
DQs for Part 4: Chapters 20 – 2522. Prentisstown men are marching and kicking down door in Farbranch. Todd goes through the list of men he sees and notices Ben and Cillian aren’t there. He says, “If they ain’t there, then that means once and for all. And there’s yer lesson. There ain’t nothing good that don’t got real bad waiting to follow it.” Why do you think Ben and Cillian are absent from the group?
I think that sadly they are dead.
23. Do you think it is wise of Todd and Viola to choose not to go into any other settlement other than Haven, in case the army follows them and destroys it like they did in Farbranch? Also put into consideration about Cillian’s letter are warning to Farbranch.
It seems to be wise.
24. The book. As Viola reads the letter from Cillian in Todd’s mother’s book, “There are things you don’t know about our history, Todd, and I’m sorry for that but if you knew them you would be in great danger. The only chance you have of a welcome is yer innocence.” What mysteries do you think has happened in their history? Why would his innocence be his only chance? Do you think it has anything to do with no women/girls especially since there are women in other settlements?
I think the mysteries in their history are related to the women. Most of the men in Prentisstown seem to be ignorant, fearful men. Todd's innocence is helpful to him because he doesn't have any noise associated with the town's past and therefore others cannot listen to any noise associated with it from him.
25. Also, in the letter from Cillian it states, “the wider world has to be warned, Todd. Prentisstown is on the move. The plan has been in the works for years, only waiting for the last boy in Prentisstown to become a man.” Do you still think the army is after Todd? Why doesn’t the wider world need to be warned?
The army is still after Todd and I am not sure why...
26. Crickets that chirping “sex sex sex”, dogs that you can hear their thoughts and they can hear yours, giant cows saying “Here”, horses thinking “snake”. Do you think the Noise they hear is a universal language for anyone and everyone to understand?
I think it is a universal language on their planet.
27. We learn a little more about Aaron and his preaching of hellfire, damnanyshun, judgement, and end of the world? Why would he be preaching this is it’s a somewhat newish settlement?
I think Aaaron is a hateful, crazy nut and he uses religion and fear to control people. Prentisstown seems to be cult like.
28. Do you think Viola is right when she says that Todd that he has an army after him who wants to make him a killer? That if they can make him a killer they can make anyone a killer?
She may be right, but I am not sure.
29. Todd and Voila meet a Spackle. The Spackle is skinning a fish and very scared by Todd and the knife. Todd kills him with the knife. What are your thoughts about this scene?
This made me very sad. I had a feeling Spackle were innocent in all this madness and I wish Todd hadn't killed him. Fear got the best of Todd because he was raised hating them. I did wish him to kill Aaron and that mayor many times though...
30. Aaron has re-appeared. He knocks out Voila (I assume with something like chloroform) and knocks out Todd but before knocking out Todd says, “I have no further use for you, boy.” Any thoughts to what happens next?
I don't have any thoughts, but I can't help being scared.
DQs for Part 4: Chapters 20 – 2522. Prentisstown men are marching and kicking down door in Farbranch. Todd goes through the list of men he sees and notices Ben and Cillian aren’t there. He says, “If they ain’t there, then that means once and for all. And there’s yer lesson. There ain’t nothing good that don’t got real bad waiting to follow it.” Why do you think Ben and Cillian are absent from the group?
I feel that Todd's right, either they are dead or they're being held captive. I'm really hoping the latter is true. It's better than them being dead.
23. Do you think it is wise of Todd and Viola to choose not to go into any other settlement other than Haven, in case the army follows them and destroys it like they did in Farbranch? Also put into consideration about Cillian’s letter are warning to Farbranch.
He doesn't want anyone else to die because of him. It's only natural that he'd want to avoid other settlements to reduce the amount of casualties.
24. The book. As Viola reads the letter from Cillian in Todd’s mother’s book, “There are things you don’t know about our history, Todd, and I’m sorry for that but if you knew them you would be in great danger. The only chance you have of a welcome is yer innocence.” What mysteries do you think has happened in their history? Why would his innocence be his only chance? Do you think it has anything to do with no women/girls especially since there are women in other settlements?
I feel that it does. The war wiped out everyone in the surrounding area that wasn't a man. Spackle, women and girls. They even tried to kill the animals. Prentisstown is hiding something. I feel that they changed a few stories to make themselves look like the good guys.
25. Also, in the letter from Cillian it states, “the wider world has to be warned, Todd. Prentisstown is on the move. The plan has been in the works for years, only waiting for the last boy in Prentisstown to become a man.” Do you still think the army is after Todd? Why doesn’t the wider world need to be warned?
Because Prentisstown wants to take everything, everyone and every other settlement. Todd would have to warn them so as to prepare the people of the oncoming danger.
26. Crickets that chirping “sex sex sex”, dogs that you can hear their thoughts and they can hear yours, giant cows saying “Here”, horses thinking “snake”. Do you think the Noise they hear is a universal language for anyone and everyone to understand?
I think that whatever they're thinking it automatically comes out. There is no filter. The way they think it, that's the way we hear it.
27. We learn a little more about Aaron and his preaching of hellfire, damnanyshun, judgement, and end of the world? Why would he be preaching this is it’s a somewhat newish settlement?
Aaron is the crazy character of the book. He believes that what's in his head is correct. And that if anyone goes against it, they must be ended.
28. Do you think Viola is right when she says that Todd that he has an army after him who wants to make him a killer? That if they can make him a killer they can make anyone a killer?
I think she has a grasp of what might be happening. She's an outsider and sometimes outsiders see more. Todd's been in Prentisstown all his life. He was raised to think a certain way and Viola sees it from her view. I think she might have a point.
29. Todd and Voila meet a Spackle. The Spackle is skinning a fish and very scared by Todd and the knife. Todd kills him with the knife. What are your thoughts about this scene?
At first I thought, 'They won'. They got what they wanted. They made him a killer but then when I saw Todd's reaction I thought that no they didn't. The battle is far from over. Sure to anyone else Todd looks like killer but he felt remorse and a killer isn't who he is.
30. Aaron has re-appeared. He knocks out Voila (I assume with something like chloroform) and knocks out Todd but before knocking out Todd says, “I have no further use for you, boy.” Any thoughts to what happens next?
Aaron just won't die. He's so insane, he can't leave the world of the living. I think he's going to hold them for a while and preach his crazy talk. I don't think he'd hand them over to the Mayor because he's weird and crazy and the weird and crazy have their own agenda.
29. Todd and Voila meet a Spackle. The Spackle is skinning a fish and very scared by Todd and the knife. Todd kills him with the knife. What are your thoughts about this scene?This scene almost made me stop reading the book entirely. I'm listening to the audio version, and something about the entire thing just really affected me emotionally. I'm a little further ahead of the BOM schedule currently, but I did have to take a few days off and make myself come back to it after I really thought about the important messages Ness is conveying with this story and this scene in particular.
I live in Kansas City, so not too far from the recent shooting, grand jury, rioting chaos in Ferguson. I'll avoid getting soap-boxy, but I'm deeply concerned with the ways in which institutional racism persists in our culture, and I see significant parallels in this plot point. That "us versus them" mentality that Todd had been taught his whole life without ever actually having first hand experience, it makes sense the way he reacted. Although he was the 'perpetrator' in this incident, I have to consider him just as innocent as the Spackle, since he was conditioned since birth to react just how he did, and now he has to live with the consequences.
I have a bleeding heart and I could go on and on about this for days, but I really felt this was a huge moment for Todd and Viola and finally decided it was important not to toss the book aside. Too curious to see what comes next for these tough kids :)
Blakely wrote: "29. Todd and Voila meet a Spackle. The Spackle is skinning a fish and very scared by Todd and the knife. Todd kills him with the knife. What are your thoughts about this scene?This scene almost m..."
I agree with you wholeheartedly!! So well said!!!!
I only got Part One and my questions done, reading will be quick once I devote some time, but realized today I have to finish another book because it is due back this evening. I did start Part Two, enjoyed the first section, but then started feeling like it was a little hokey pokey and the writing is kind of bad. We will see.
22. Prentisstown men are marching and kicking down door in Farbranch. Todd goes through the list of men he sees and notices Ben and Cillian aren’t there. He says, “If they ain’t there, then that means once and for all. And there’s yer lesson. There ain’t nothing good that don’t got real bad waiting to follow it.” Why do you think Ben and Cillian are absent from the group?I think they have been killed by the Prentisstown army for not cooperating and turning over Todd. Hopefully they managed to escape.
23. Do you think it is wise of Todd and Viola to choose not to go into any other settlement other than Haven, in case the army follows them and destroys it like they did in Farbranch? Also put into consideration about Cillian’s letter are warning to Farbranch.
I think it is smart because word will reach the army if they go into any towns because of the noise. I think the dilemma of warning the other towns is real for Todd and Viola, but they are doing what they think is safest for the towns.
24. The book. As Viola reads the letter from Cillian in Todd’s mother’s book, “There are things you don’t know about our history, Todd, and I’m sorry for that but if you knew them you would be in great danger. The only chance you have of a welcome is yer innocence.” What mysteries do you think has happened in their history? Why would his innocence be his only chance? Do you think it has anything to do with no women/girls especially since there are women in other settlements?
I think Todd's innocence is key. Not only his ignorance of the terrible mysterious past of Prentisstown, but also is natural innocence to the ways of the world that Ben and Cillian protected Todd from.
25. Also, in the letter from Cillian it states, “the wider world has to be warned, Todd. Prentisstown is on the move. The plan has been in the works for years, only waiting for the last boy in Prentisstown to become a man.” Do you still think the army is after Todd? Why doesn’t the wider world need to be warned?
Todd is still very important to the Prentisstown army to capture, but I think we see now that the big picture for Prentisstown is to take over the world.
26. Crickets that chirping “sex sex sex”, dogs that you can hear their thoughts and they can hear yours, giant cows saying “Here”, horses thinking “snake”. Do you think the Noise they hear is a universal language for anyone and everyone to understand?
At first this kind of annoyed me, but then I looked at the big picture that the author was trying to convey. I think he is just trying to say that the animal's thoughts are 'heard'. I wonder if the female animals are immune to the noise as well..
27. We learn a little more about Aaron and his preaching of hellfire, damnanyshun, judgement, and end of the world? Why would he be preaching this is it’s a somewhat newish settlement?
I'm pretty sure Aaron is just freaked out about the Noise, and he is really super crazy.
28. Do you think Viola is right when she says that Todd that he has an army after him who wants to make him a killer? That if they can make him a killer they can make anyone a killer?
When I read this part, I thought Viola hit the nail on the head.
29. Todd and Voila meet a Spackle. The Spackle is skinning a fish and very scared by Todd and the knife. Todd kills him with the knife. What are your thoughts about this scene?
I was hoping Todd could control his rage and fear. I was hoping that Todd would listen to Viola. (view spoiler)
30. Aaron has re-appeared. He knocks out Voila (I assume with something like chloroform) and knocks out Todd but before knocking out Todd says, “I have no further use for you, boy.” Any thoughts to what happens next?
I have to admit I was confused by this part. I thought maybe since Todd's incident with the Spackle that Aaron had accomplished the goal that Viola had talked about earlier in the chapter. I didn't understand what he wanted with Viola.
Blakely wrote: "29. Todd and Voila meet a Spackle. The Spackle is skinning a fish and very scared by Todd and the knife. Todd kills him with the knife. What are your thoughts about this scene?This scene almost m..."
*stands up and claps*
I've finished the novel, so I'm going to try and limit my answers.DQs for Part 4: Chapters 20 – 25
22. Prentisstown men are marching and kicking down door in Farbranch. Todd goes through the list of men he sees and notices Ben and Cillian aren’t there. He says, “If they ain’t there, then that means once and for all. And there’s yer lesson. There ain’t nothing good that don’t got real bad waiting to follow it.” Why do you think Ben and Cillian are absent from the group?
Reading this I, like Todd, believed that they had been killed.
23. Do you think it is wise of Todd and Viola to choose not to go into any other settlement other than Haven, in case the army follows them and destroys it like they did in Farbranch? Also put into consideration about Cillian’s letter are warning to Farbranch.
Yes. Plus, they can't be sure about the settlements. They've heard too many things at this point, and are learning to be wary.
24. The book. As Viola reads the letter from Cillian in Todd’s mother’s book, “There are things you don’t know about our history, Todd, and I’m sorry for that but if you knew them you would be in great danger. The only chance you have of a welcome is yer innocence.” What mysteries do you think has happened in their history? Why would his innocence be his only chance? Do you think it has anything to do with no women/girls especially since there are women in other settlements?
Don't think I can objectively answer at this point.
25. Also, in the letter from Cillian it states, “the wider world has to be warned, Todd. Prentisstown is on the move. The plan has been in the works for years, only waiting for the last boy in Prentisstown to become a man.” Do you still think the army is after Todd? Why doesn’t the wider world need to be warned?
The settlements already seem to be scared of people from Prentisstown. If they are on the move, it can't be anything good -- for anybody.
26. Crickets that chirping “sex sex sex”, dogs that you can hear their thoughts and they can hear yours, giant cows saying “Here”, horses thinking “snake”. Do you think the Noise they hear is a universal language for anyone and everyone to understand?
I'm not sure. I wonder if everyone hears the same things or if it's different for each individual.
27. We learn a little more about Aaron and his preaching of hellfire, damnanyshun, judgement, and end of the world? Why would he be preaching this is it’s a somewhat newish settlement?
I think it was his reaction to moving, the Noise, the "big secret", etc. It's how he copes with everything going on around him. Its his justification for the madness.
28. Do you think Viola is right when she says that Todd that he has an army after him who wants to make him a killer? That if they can make him a killer they can make anyone a killer?
Another one I can't answer. :)
29. Todd and Voila meet a Spackle. The Spackle is skinning a fish and very scared by Todd and the knife. Todd kills him with the knife. What are your thoughts about this scene?
I was sad. I was sad for Todd. I was sad for the Spackle. It reminded me of the Native Americans & how we treated them. I really had hoped for a different outcome. (view spoiler) Basically, wishful thinking. Lol!
30. Aaron has re-appeared. He knocks out Voila (I assume with something like chloroform) and knocks out Todd but before knocking out Todd says, “I have no further use for you, boy.” Any thoughts to what happens next?
Melike wrote: "I agree with you wholeheartedly!! So well said!!!! "Stacie wrote: "*stands up and claps* "
Thanks!! I was a tad concerned I might ruffle some feathers with that comparison, but it really struck me with the timing and such.
Day four up till the endAs I suspected, nothing is simply explained and there is no closure, just more mysteries and strange occurences (what with the lack of Noise of "President" Prentiss and surrender of Haven). I'm really unhappy about that. Viola is gravely wounded, Todd is captured as well as she is, all this journey and escape for nothing.
I'm not sure if I want to continue with this series. In the end I felt tired with the whole concept of constant running, and I'm not sure if the next installment is so much different from the first one (after reading the synopsis).
The book is gripping in the first half, but later it starts to stagger. I really like the concept of the Noise, but I have the feeling that it wasn't fully developed. All in all, this read was an interesting experience.
Anima wrote: "Day four up till the endAs I suspected, nothing is simply explained and there is no closure, just more mysteries and strange occurences (what with the lack of Noise of "President" Prentiss and su..."
Might want to most of that under a spoiler tag for those that haven't finished ;)
22. Prentisstown men are marching and kicking down door in Farbranch. Todd goes through the list of men he sees and notices Ben and Cillian aren’t there. He says, “If they ain’t there, then that means once and for all. And there’s yer lesson. There ain’t nothing good that don’t got real bad waiting to follow it.” Why do you think Ben and Cillian are absent from the group?I think they are dead. I think the sherriff killed them trying to get to Todd.
23. Do you think it is wise of Todd and Viola to choose not to go into any other settlement other than Haven, in case the army follows them and destroys it like they did in Farbranch? Also put into consideration about Cillian’s letter are warning to Farbranch.
I'm torn on this. I understand why they are avoiding the towns to try to help prevent the army from destroying more towns, but they aren't accomplishing any "warning" of anyone by avoiding them all.
24. The book. As Viola reads the letter from Cillian in Todd’s mother’s book, “There are things you don’t know about our history, Todd, and I’m sorry for that but if you knew them you would be in great danger. The only chance you have of a welcome is yer innocence.” What mysteries do you think has happened in their history? Why would his innocence be his only chance? Do you think it has anything to do with no women/girls especially since there are women in other settlements?
I think that clearly something bad happened in Prentisstown which made all the other towns avoid association with them. The fact that Todd doesn't have any knowledge of what happened in his Noise, would hopefully let him fit in somewhere else that otherwise would not allow someone from the town to stay.
25. Also, in the letter from Cillian it states, “the wider world has to be warned, Todd. Prentisstown is on the move. The plan has been in the works for years, only waiting for the last boy in Prentisstown to become a man.” Do you still think the army is after Todd? Why doesn’t the wider world need to be warned?
I think they are in some ways. Certainly the Mayor's son and Aaron are.
26. Crickets that chirping “sex sex sex”, dogs that you can hear their thoughts and they can hear yours, giant cows saying “Here”, horses thinking “snake”. Do you think the Noise they hear is a universal language for anyone and everyone to understand?
I think its just the noise they make for everyone to hear.
27. We learn a little more about Aaron and his preaching of hellfire, damnanyshun, judgement, and end of the world? Why would he be preaching this is it’s a somewhat newish settlement?
It seems like there was a significant religious undertone in the whole group that settled this planet. I think Aaron has just corrupted it to use for his own purposes.
28. Do you think Viola is right when she says that Todd that he has an army after him who wants to make him a killer? That if they can make him a killer they can make anyone a killer?
I'm not sure I understood what she meant by this whole thing, to be honest.
29. Todd and Voila meet a Spackle. The Spackle is skinning a fish and very scared by Todd and the knife. Todd kills him with the knife. What are your thoughts about this scene?
So they do exist! :) I was uncomfortable with this scene as many others were. I'm still working out my feelings on this whole book, and this scene is part of that.
30. Aaron has re-appeared. He knocks out Voila (I assume with something like chloroform) and knocks out Todd but before knocking out Todd says, “I have no further use for you, boy.” Any thoughts to what happens next?
I'm sure he will be back eventually. Until someone kills him, he'll keep coming back. Like the Terminator.
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DQs for Part 4: Chapters 20 – 2522. Prentisstown men are marching and kicking down door in Farbranch. Todd goes through the list of men he sees and notices Ben and Cillian aren’t there. He says, “If they ain’t there, then that means once and for all. And there’s yer lesson. There ain’t nothing good that don’t got real bad waiting to follow it.” Why do you think Ben and Cillian are absent from the group?
I think they are either dead or captives or they escaped the town and are in hiding.
23. Do you think it is wise of Todd and Viola to choose not to go into any other settlement other than Haven, in case the army follows them and destroys it like they did in Farbranch? Also put into consideration about Cillian’s letter are warning to Farbranch.
I don't think it is wise at all. They can help others by warning them about what is to come so they can prepare.
24. The book. As Viola reads the letter from Cillian in Todd’s mother’s book, “There are things you don’t know about our history, Todd, and I’m sorry for that but if you knew them you would be in great danger. The only chance you have of a welcome is yer innocence.” What mysteries do you think has happened in their history? Why would his innocence be his only chance? Do you think it has anything to do with no women/girls especially since there are women in other settlements?
I think the men did something to the women because they didn't have the noise and they must have thought that it would effect them too if they didn't get rid of them.
25. Also, in the letter from Cillian it states, “the wider world has to be warned, Todd. Prentisstown is on the move. The plan has been in the works for years, only waiting for the last boy in Prentisstown to become a man.” Do you still think the army is after Todd? Why doesn’t the wider world need to be warned?
The army is definitely after Todd. I'm just curious as to why. I think the wider world does need to know but I guess they'll find out once the news starts to travel.
26. Crickets that chirping “sex sex sex”, dogs that you can hear their thoughts and they can hear yours, giant cows saying “Here”, horses thinking “snake”. Do you think the Noise they hear is a universal language for anyone and everyone to understand?
I think they understand all different languages or maybe they hear the languages as universal.
27. We learn a little more about Aaron and his preaching of hellfire, damnanyshun, judgement, and end of the world? Why would he be preaching this is it’s a somewhat newish settlement?
May that was the plan all along. Maybe that is what Cillian was talking about, Prentisstown's plan to destroy the other towns.
28. Do you think Viola is right when she says that Todd that he has an army after him who wants to make him a killer? That if they can make him a killer they can make anyone a killer?
I think she right but I don't understand why they need him. What is so important about him.
29. Todd and Voila meet a Spackle. The Spackle is skinning a fish and very scared by Todd and the knife. Todd kills him with the knife. What are your thoughts about this scene?
I agree with Viola about not killing the Spackle but also on the fact that the town wants him back so they can make him a killer. He should have left the Spackle alone since he was afraid anyway.
30. Aaron has re-appeared. He knocks out Voila (I assume with something like chloroform) and knocks out Todd but before knocking out Todd says, “I have no further use for you, boy.” Any thoughts to what happens next?
Aaron seems to never die. He's like the energizer bunny. He keeps going and going. I wonder if he can be killed? I don't think that Aaron killed Todd. I think he is still alive.
Trying to catch up :/DQs for Part I - Chapters 1-6
1) The Book starts with introducing this concept of the Noise and Todd can hear his dog's thoughts. Todd does not seem to like his dog. How do you think this relationship might develop? Do you think Todd will grow to feel differently about his dog? Do you think the relationship might grow and change?
Wasn't Todd forced into taking Manchee? Maybe that is why he treats him like dirt. I think they will develop a friendlier relationship throughout the book
2) We have learned that Todd is the only remaining boy in his town, everyone else has moved on to manhood, at 13 years old. There seems to be some secret initiation, secrets that the boys are kept from that are revealed when they become men. Why do you think this might be?
There are definitely lots of untold secrets. I don't have many guesses at this point, but I did consider that maybe women were kept somewhere off site, rather than wiped from the planet.
3) Aaron was definitely introduced as an ominous character from the jump. It was strange that he was in the marsh when Todd was and kind of popped up out of nowhere. What do you think Aaron was up to? Do you think he knew about the girl or the absence of noise?
He's a creeper
4) I was getting a little concerned when Ben and Cillian were trying to get Todd the hell out of dodge and Todd was being so resistant. What were you feelings around this.
They definitely know something Todd doesn't know. It made me feel anxious to find out why they wanted him to leave so badly.
5) I was wondering if women/girls don't hear the Noise and if that has something to do with why they are all gone. When Todd finds the absence of Noise he doesn't find a Spackle, (whatever that is?) but he finds a girl. Any speculation about this?
My guess is the men found the women a threat because they didn't produce the noise, so the men never knew what they were thinking??
DQs - Day 3 - Chapters 13-19
15) In chapter 13 we see that Viola is beginning to open up and speak to Todd. Do you see Todd's & Viola's relationship developing further? Would you like to see it develop? Do you think it is a healthy relationship? Why or why not?
It has to develop, for obvious reasons. :P
Todd is the protagonist here and Viola is definitely one of the central characters, so yes, I think their relationship is going to develop and that'd be a healthy one.
16) Once Todd and Viola burn down the bridge they meet a woman by the name of Hildy. Hildy always calls Todd & Viola 'pup'. Why do you think she does this? Is it a term of endearment or something else?
As I am reading the book on my kindle I tapped the word and the Oxford dictionary definition of 'pup' is (as it was shown there) a young dog/a young wold/a cheeky or arrogant boy. Todd was being pretty arrogant in the beginning, eh? That's probably the reason for Hildy calling him pup!
I don't understand though why would She (or Francia) call Viola pup! It was kinda annoying.
17) Todd expresses surprise when he discovers that Hildy is married "to a man with Noise". Why do you think he is so surprised? Tam is also able to quieten his Noise so that he is virtually 'normal'. Do you think that realising this of Tam that Todd may feel it could be possible for him to also learn how to do the same thing with his Noise?
Todd was surprised as he had never known any person without Noise. Viola didn't have the Noise but then her spaceship suggested that she was from somewhere outside the New World, so it was logical in a way. But Todd wasn't prepared to see anything like the co-existence of man and woman having Noise and without Noise, respectively! Viola's silence was driving him crazy so it was shocking for him to see how can a man with Noise live with a 'silent' woman!
Yeah, it'd be possible. As Tam mentioned himself, he was attained the ability to quieten his thoughts by years of practice and hard work.
18) When Viola & Todd arrive in Farbranch, Todd is initially pleasantly surprised by the calmness of the towns people and how the Noise here is so different from Prentisstown. However, he soon discovers that the name Prentisstown turns these calm people into very angry people. Why do you think the name 'Prentisstown' has this affect on those in Farbranch?
I think the people of Farbrach are those who either fled from Pretisstown or were 'settlers' arriving from the Old World. As Matthew says Prentisstown was initially named New Elizabeth and it was Mayor Prentis who took over the town and named it after himself (I guess?). He'd perhaps done something hideous to make people so angry!
I think that they all know something that Todd doesn't know about Prentisstown, the real history, I mean. And it's interesting how Todd (and probably the other people of Prentisstown too) thinks that their town is the only place for living in the new world which is a complete lie!
19) Todd & Viola are on the run from the men of Prentisstown who happen to also be gathering an army to capture Todd. Why is it so important for the Prentisstown men to capture Todd? What threat, if any, does he pose for them?
Now I know the reason as I've read further.
My initial thoughts, however, was that since Todd was the last boy in Prentisstown maybe he was required by the Mayor to fulfill some task, something that Ben and Cillian didn't want him to do. And that's why the sent Todd away and that's why it was important for Prentiss to get to Todd by any means.
20) When Matthew goes crazy he traps Todd & Manchee in the barn. Manchee really comes into his own here when he tries to protect Todd by biting Matthew. Matthew then responds by chopping off part of Manchee's tail with his machete. How did you feel when this happened?
I was sad. Manchee is SO adorable! I love him and I hated the Matthew guy for hurting him! X-(
But it also shows how strong the bond is between Todd and Manchee! :)
21) In light of the fact that Todd is only a young boy (12 years old) why is an army necessary to capture him? The only weapon he has is a knife so why can't he captured by one or two people rather than an army?
See, what I think is the Mayor is well aware about the other settlements outside his own goddamned town and he knew that if Todd reached Farbrach or any of those settlements, the people there would give him shelter. So even if you can capture a boy of 12 years by a few man, you definitely require an army to take a whole settlement down. Now does that make sense?
DQs for Part 4: Chapters 20 – 2522. Prentisstown men are marching and kicking down door in Farbranch. Todd goes through the list of men he sees and notices Ben and Cillian aren’t there. He says, “If they ain’t there, then that means once and for all. And there’s yer lesson. There ain’t nothing good that don’t got real bad waiting to follow it.” Why do you think Ben and Cillian are absent from the group?
The rational answer would be that Ben and Cillian were killed by the Mayor and that's the reason behind their absence. But a part of me thinks (and hopes) that they are alive and kept imprisoned in Prentisstown as it's obvious that they wouldn't join the army even if it cost them their lives. Ben's such a strong character and I hate to think that we won't get to read any more about him and Cillian too! So I'm hoping that they'd reappear.
23. Do you think it is wise of Todd and Viola to choose not to go into any other settlement other than Haven, in case the army follows them and destroys it like they did in Farbranch? Also put into consideration about Cillian’s letter are warning to Farbranch.
That was their only option, so they couldn't have moved otherwise. Even though the settlements would have provided them shelter, presumably, the Mayor's army would locate them in no time and even though Todd and Viola could flee, the people of the settlement would be killed by the army. They had to avoid such unnecessary destruction caused by them.
And Viola did warn Wilf. I don't think the army would attack any settlement until they got to Todd as they needed him for some reason!
24. The book. As Viola reads the letter from Cillian in Todd’s mother’s book, “There are things you don’t know about our history, Todd, and I’m sorry for that but if you knew them you would be in great danger. The only chance you have of a welcome is yer innocence.” What mysteries do you think has happened in their history? Why would his innocence be his only chance? Do you think it has anything to do with no women/girls especially since there are women in other settlements?
That's an interesting question!
My guess would be that Mayor Prentiss is the culprit here, responsible for destroying the women of Prentisstown, or New Elizabeth so to speak. Not sure about the Noise though I think the Spackle theory isn't true, not entirely at least.
As for Todd's innocence, I guess by innocence Ben meant Todd's ignorance about the real history of Prentisstown. Seemingly there's a lot more than meets the eyes and Todd has a significant role to play but if he knew about it all from the beginning it'd obviously be reflected in his noise. That'd jeopardize whatever plan Ben and Cillian and Todd's ma had for him. So being innocent was Todd's only chance of surviving.
I should think so. As I said earlier, I think Prentiss had something to do with the death of all women.
25. Also, in the letter from Cillian it states, “the wider world has to be warned, Todd. Prentisstown is on the move. The plan has been in the works for years, only waiting for the last boy in Prentisstown to become a man.” Do you still think the army is after Todd? Why doesn’t the wider world need to be warned?
Prentisstown is on the move to attack and to own the outer world, so it seems. But the army is primarily after Todd as it's obvious that they NEED Todd for some specific reason. And they were waiting for Todd to turn into a man. So their chance of winning has got to do something with presence of Todd with them.
26. Crickets that chirping “sex sex sex”, dogs that you can hear their thoughts and they can hear yours, giant cows saying “Here”, horses thinking “snake”. Do you think the Noise they hear is a universal language for anyone and everyone to understand?
That's what it seems. But it's a matter of extreme curiosity why the women are a exception of this rule!
27. We learn a little more about Aaron and his preaching of hellfire, damnanyshun, judgement, and end of the world? Why would he be preaching this is it’s a somewhat newish settlement?
This Aaron guy is scornful. There's got to be some history of him. So I'm not sure why he preaches things like this, especially that "If one of us fall, we all fall".
28. Do you think Viola is right when she says that Todd that he has an army after him who wants to make him a killer? That if they can make him a killer they can make anyone a killer?
Yes, she is. They want Todd to be a part of their army, a special someone, in order to fulfill their mission of capturing the whole New World.
29. Todd and Voila meet a Spackle. The Spackle is skinning a fish and very scared by Todd and the knife. Todd kills him with the knife. What are your thoughts about this scene?
I felt really sorry for the Spackle. It is quite likely that whatever Todd had heard about Spackles in Prentisstown is not true, not entirely at least. Had he not been so enraged by the incident with Prentiss Jr., he wouldn't have killed the Spackle I guess.
30. Aaron has re-appeared. He knocks out Voila (I assume with something like chloroform) and knocks out Todd but before knocking out Todd says, “I have no further use for you, boy.” Any thoughts to what happens next?
No honestly I don't. (view spoiler)
However, Aaron is so freaking annoying! I don't understand it! What is he? Some superhuman? First he survives from the attack of a crocodile, then with that messy condition he informs the Mayor about Todd's whereabouts and now he appears out of nowhere just in time to discover Todd and Viola!! >_< A little too much!
Unless of course the author provides a logical explanation.
I have a question,What do you think about the writing overall? I understand that it's written in colloquial language but it kinda annoys me, things like the use of double negatives in a sentence? Does it bother you?
Honestly it doesn't both me Ive gotten used to it quite quickly which is odd because I detest textspeak. I think it fits well with the story.
Vinny wrote: "I have a question,What do you think about the writing overall? I understand that it's written in colloquial language but it kinda annoys me, things like the use of double negatives in a sentence?..."
It would usually annoy me, but I find myself not even noticing when I read. It did make my eye twitch during the first few chapters but I figured, that school wasn't much of a 'thing' and I feel like the book is supposed to give the illusion of the people not being fully educated in the grammar sense.
Alright you guys, this is my first time writing daily questions. I hope I am thinking about things that you guys find interesting. Also, Happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrate!
Daily Questions: Day 5
Chapters 26-31
31. There has been different onions on Ness’ writing style. How do you feel about his grammar and spelling? What do you think the biggest result of his style is: adding to the characterization of Todd, making his writing seem poor, or something else? Also, do you think it takes more or less skill to write this way?
32. [Chapter 26] Todd thinks that Aaron purposefully stabbed him in a place that wouldn’t cause him to die. Do you think the location of the stabbing was significant? What about significance even in the placement it’s self (significance of being stabbed in the back)? What are your impressions of the song; especially the lines Don’t deceive me. Never left me. (symbolism? Foreshadowing?)?
33. Todd’s thoughts seemed to be consumed by his actions of killing the Spackle. Is this the response you expected? Do you think it should be expected? Does it change your onion of Todd, or lighten the shock of the kill at all?
34. In chapter 27 when Todd narrators in parentheses, who do you think he is talking to? For example when he has to sit it says: “… there comes a time when I can’t, when I just can’t, when my legs crumple beneath me and I have to sit down. I just have to. (I’m sorry.)” Why do you think the parentheses are used? Do you think it is important?
35. [Chapter 29] Do you think Todd came to the right decision when he realized he wouldn’t kill Aaron? Does this make him a coward?
36. Why do you think Todd was seeing that boy? Why couldn’t Manchee see him? Does the boy symbolize anything?
37. Manchee. How did you feel as you read the scene at the river? What were you hoping would happen? Are you surprised by Manchee’s fate? How do you think this will affect Todd? If he decides to kill Aaron do you think it would be justifiable?
38. I’m wondering what impressions you all have for various characters. So, for each of the follow characters please pick one word to describe their personality. Pick a trait or description that you think is most central to who they are as a person.
Todd-
Aaron-
Manchee-
Viola-
Hildy-
Ben-
Wilf-
Jane-
Daily Questions: Day 5Chapters 26-31
31. There has been different onions on Ness’ writing style. How do you feel about his grammar and spelling? What do you think the biggest result of his style is: adding to the characterization of Todd, making his writing seem poor, or something else? Also, do you think it takes more or less skill to write this way?
I got used to his grammar and spelling really fast and it really didn't bother me. I have a dyslexic son and it made me think Todd may have dyslexia in addition to not being educated properly. It tore me apart how much Todd hates reading and how he put off reading the journal for the longest time and how it effects his self esteem...The style of writing definitely added to the characterization of Todd for this reason in my opinion. I think it does take more skill to write this way.
35. [Chapter 29] Do you think Todd came to the right decision when he realized he wouldn’t kill Aaron? Does this make him a coward?
I think it actually takes a certain kind of bravery not to kill a person, so I don't believe it makes him a coward. However, I did wish that he killed Aaron...
37. Manchee. How did you feel as you read the scene at the river? What were you hoping would happen? Are you surprised by Manchee’s fate? How do you think this will affect Todd? If he decides to kill Aaron do you think it would be justifiable?
I was so sad, I wish the scene was different. I was rather surprised by his fate. I loved Manchee so much!!! Todd will be so heartbroken, but he will become even stronger through this. Yes, killing Aaron is totally justifiable in my view.
38. I’m wondering what impressions you all have for various characters. So, for each of the follow characters please pick one word to describe their personality. Pick a trait or description that you think is most central to who they are as a person.
Todd-determined
Aaron-CRAZY
Manchee-loyal
Viola-brave
Hildy-compassionate
Ben-sacrificing
Wilf-sweet
Jane-
DQs for Part 4: Chapters 20 – 2522. Prentisstown men are marching and kicking down door in Farbranch. Todd goes through the list of men he sees and notices Ben and Cillian aren’t there. He says, “If they ain’t there, then that means once and for all. And there’s yer lesson. There ain’t nothing good that don’t got real bad waiting to follow it.” Why do you think Ben and Cillian are absent from the group?
I assume because they aren't of the same mindset as the others.
23. Do you think it is wise of Todd and Viola to choose not to go into any other settlement other than Haven, in case the army follows them and destroys it like they did in Farbranch? Also put into consideration about Cillian’s letter are warning to Farbranch.
I think they're going to destroy the towns anyway, you tend not to leave things behind that can attack you if you're marching through somewhere.
24. The book. As Viola reads the letter from Cillian in Todd’s mother’s book, “There are things you don’t know about our history, Todd, and I’m sorry for that but if you knew them you would be in great danger. The only chance you have of a welcome is yer innocence.” What mysteries do you think has happened in their history? Why would his innocence be his only chance? Do you think it has anything to do with no women/girls especially since there are women in other settlements?
Seems strange because I'd think that they could read from his noise that he just found out about it just as easily as not knowing. Maybe it would cause him to lose faith or purpose.
25. Also, in the letter from Cillian it states, “the wider world has to be warned, Todd. Prentisstown is on the move. The plan has been in the works for years, only waiting for the last boy in Prentisstown to become a man.” Do you still think the army is after Todd? Why doesn’t the wider world need to be warned?
There seems to be something odd about the becoming a man thing since there's different months so he's not really 13 but is. Maybe it affects their brains differently when they turn 13.
26. Crickets that chirping “sex sex sex”, dogs that you can hear their thoughts and they can hear yours, giant cows saying “Here”, horses thinking “snake”. Do you think the Noise they hear is a universal language for anyone and everyone to understand?
Could be. Maybe it's a babblefish style infection. It also could just be the impression of the word like a picture or something that's interpreted.
27. We learn a little more about Aaron and his preaching of hellfire, damnanyshun, judgement, and end of the world? Why would he be preaching this is it’s a somewhat newish settlement?
Maybe they think the end of days is coming, or it's some sort of suicide cult.
28. Do you think Viola is right when she says that Todd that he has an army after him who wants to make him a killer? That if they can make him a killer they can make anyone a killer?
Seems a little strange, but maybe it's about making sure the others in the army don't see a way out.
29. Todd and Voila meet a Spackle. The Spackle is skinning a fish and very scared by Todd and the knife. Todd kills him with the knife. What are your thoughts about this scene?
Seems like they aren't actually bad, or were defending themselves before and the Prentisstown folks made them into the monsters. Something like a "history is written by the victors" sentiment.
30. Aaron has re-appeared. He knocks out Voila (I assume with something like chloroform) and knocks out Todd but before knocking out Todd says, “I have no further use for you, boy.” Any thoughts to what happens next?
Maybe he gets made an example of to the army to keep them in line. I imagine if Ben and Cillian are against it others may be as well but are too scared to speak out.
Daily Questions: Day 5Chapters 26-31
31. There has been different onions on Ness’ writing style. How do you feel about his grammar and spelling? What do you think the biggest result of his style is: adding to the characterization of Todd, making his writing seem poor, or something else? Also, do you think it takes more or less skill to write this way?
I think it takes more skill. I mentioned before that my eye twitched as I read through the first few chapters. I can't imagine that it would've been easy to purposely make grammatical errors. I actually applaud Ness with his ability to do that and still capture his readers.
32. [Chapter 26] Todd thinks that Aaron purposefully stabbed him in a place that wouldn’t cause him to die. Do you think the location of the stabbing was significant? What about significance even in the placement it’s self (significance of being stabbed in the back)? What are your impressions of the song; especially the lines Don’t deceive me. Never left me. (symbolism? Foreshadowing?)?
Aaron can't be in his right mind. He seems overly confused and out of it. I think he thought Todd would bleed out. Later in the book when Todd finds him and Viola, it doesn't seem as though Aaron was expecting him to show up.
33. Todd’s thoughts seemed to be consumed by his actions of killing the Spackle. Is this the response you expected? Do you think it should be expected? Does it change your onion of Todd, or lighten the shock of the kill at all?
I didn't want Todd to think himself a Coward. I think it shows how good a man he actually is because he felt bad about doing it, and regretted it. Maybe 'good' wasn't the word to use, but I think his head was filled too much, he was put under all this pressure and he found out s many things that he thought were truths, and now they're all lies.
34. In chapter 27 when Todd narrators in parentheses, who do you think he is talking to? For example when he has to sit it says: “… there comes a time when I can’t, when I just can’t, when my legs crumple beneath me and I have to sit down. I just have to. (I’m sorry.)” Why do you think the parentheses are used? Do you think it is important?
I think was either talking to himself or maybe he had someone in his mind. I mean, a younger version of him appeared in front of him. I feel that with Todd, nothing is impossible.
35. [Chapter 29] Do you think Todd came to the right decision when he realized he wouldn’t kill Aaron? Does this make him a coward?
I think that was a good decision. Todd is young, he has time to learn and grow from mistakes. I think him killing was just that, a mistake. Him not killing Aaron (even though Aaron seems invincible) just proves how he could become a better person. If he chooses to.
36. Why do you think Todd was seeing that boy? Why couldn’t Manchee see him? Does the boy symbolize anything?
I think that boy was Todd himself. I think it was Todd inner person. That voice that makes you feel inferior. His own inner demon. I was glad when he told him that he was leaving him behind.
37. Manchee. How did you feel as you read the scene at the river? What were you hoping would happen? Are you surprised by Manchee’s fate? How do you think this will affect Todd? If he decides to kill Aaron do you think it would be justifiable?
At first I thought Manchee would fall into the river and Todd would pull him up. I was not expecting him to sacrifice himself. It's something I believe he could do because he cared greatly for Todd. Dying was not on that list.
38. I’m wondering what impressions you all have for various characters. So, for each of the follow characters please pick one word to describe their personality. Pick a trait or description that you think is most central to who they are as a person.
Todd- Loyal
Aaron- INSANE
Manchee- Sacrificing
Viola- Intuitive
Hildy- Hospitable
Ben- Protective
Wilf- Wise
Jane- Sketchy
Day 2 - Chapters 7-12 - DQs6. So the "quiet" was a girl. She's wearing clothes similar to Todd's but newer. So much newer, they look like a uniform. When I first read this part my immediate thought was that perhaps that was the big secret -- the women/girls hadn't all died, but instead might be sequestered somewhere else like a concentration camp? What were your initial thoughts about the girl & where she might have come from?
I thought maybe from another settlement.
7. How in the world did Aaron survive being drug off by a crocodile? His Noise is louder and crazier than everyone else's. I'm beginning to wonder if there isn't more to Aaron. Any thoughts on where Aaron might fit in? I don't think I believe he is truly dead. What do you think? Will we be seeing more of him in the future?
Well we did see more of him. The guy won't die, but I do think at some point it will be Todd that actually kills him.
8. Aaron referred to the girl as "The Holy Sacrament", "The Sign from God", and "The Path of the Saint". He also pictured the girl drinking wine and partaking of the host. These all seem to have significant Catholic undertones. What part do you think religion might play as the novel continues?
I think there is some religion created to control people, brainwash, keep order, the usual.
9. Aaron ultimately envisioned the girl being sacrificed. Could that be the big secret? Do you think that is what happened to all the women/girls?
I am not sure. I don't know if I buy the whole virus thing, but the story is a little hokey pokey to me. Like I was so frustrated and annoyed when Viola just sat there rocking back and forth on the rock. If she was having a melt down, this was just cheesy.
10. The air ship, and the surrounding greenery, seem to be still smoking making it seem the crash just happened -- or at least not that long ago. They haven't gone that far from the outskirts of Prentisstown. You would think somebody saw or heard something. Could that be why Aaron was spending so much time in the swamp? Do you think the kids are in more danger than just people looking for Todd?
I don't know what is going on.
11. The girl seems to not react like you would think she would if the dead couple were in fact her parents. Does anyone else think that there is going to be more to the girl's story? Something that's going to be revealed later -- a big prophecy perhaps, or somehow she's the pivotal point in some larger story?
No idea. I thought maybe her and her parents crash landed there recently and she has been surviving in the swamp area, but doesn't seem to know much.
12. The descriptions of the Mayor and his circle in the first chapters were very reminiscent of societies usually portrayed in dystopian novels. Those novels however are usually set many years into that society -- after the society is fully formed, complete control, a supreme ruler -- this seems to be how you would imagine one of those societies would begin: burning books, outlawing school, etc. Do you think their break-off settlement could have been from a larger similar society?
No, I think this is a new society trying to be started. But obviously there is stuff going on that we don't know yet.
13. There have been slight references to the world they inhabit that mark it as different from ours. Two moons. The cassor (bird like creatures). The Spackle. Have you noticed any other different traits?
Yeah - telepathy.
14. Manchee makes me think of Oberon from the Iron Druid Chronicles, although with a bit less vocabulary. While it might, on occasion, be fun to hear what an animal is thinking, I don't think I would want it to be constant influx. The girl at first didn't seem to be able to hear the Noise, she also hasn't spoken. Why do you think she hasn't tried to communicate in any way verbally with Todd?
She is distrustful
Shannon wrote: "Anima wrote: "Day four up till the endAs I suspected, nothing is simply explained and there is no closure, just more mysteries and strange occurences (what with the lack of Noise of "President" P..."
As far as I know we do not use spoiler tags in the BOM discussions, that is the reason I clearly note the place in the book that I discuss, but next time I will take your comment into consideration.
I finished this yesterday and am afraid am one of the few people who did not really enjoy it. The plot was brilliant but somehow I find myself counting the pages til the end. I was bored.
Daily Questions: Day 5Chapters 26-31
31. There has been different onions on Ness’ writing style. How do you feel about his grammar and spelling? What do you think the biggest result of his style is: adding to the characterization of Todd, making his writing seem poor, or something else? Also, do you think it takes more or less skill to write this way?
I'll admit that it annoyed me quite a lot, especially in the beginning but as the story went on I got used to his style and it wasn't bothering me anymore. As for Ness' writing, I think it takes more skill to write this way but I personally feel the attraction of the story wouldn't be any less even if it was written in the natural language.
32. [Chapter 26] Todd thinks that Aaron purposefully stabbed him in a place that wouldn’t cause him to die. Do you think the location of the stabbing was significant? What about significance even in the placement it’s self (significance of being stabbed in the back)? What are your impressions of the song; especially the lines Don’t deceive me. Never left me. (symbolism? Foreshadowing?)?
It could be true what Todd thought about Aaron stabbing him purposefully in the back so that he'd not die but would live in pain (both physical and mental). But then Aaron isn't a character I've understood properly, yet! I think he's got some significant role in the real history of Prentisstown.
33. Todd’s thoughts seemed to be consumed by his actions of killing the Spackle. Is this the response you expected? Do you think it should be expected? Does it change your onion of Todd, or lighten the shock of the kill at all?
Todd wouldn't have killed the Spackle in the first place if it he hadn't had the encounter with Prentiss Jr. He mocked Todd saying that he is a coward and not a killer. It got him charged up and whatever he had heard since his childhood that Spackles are the reason behind all misery, so it all added up to his rage and made him kill the Spackle. But then he truly regretted it. Todd isn't a killer and that doesn't make him a coward either.
34. In chapter 27 when Todd narrators in parentheses, who do you think he is talking to? For example when he has to sit it says: “… there comes a time when I can’t, when I just can’t, when my legs crumple beneath me and I have to sit down. I just have to. (I’m sorry.)” Why do you think the parentheses are used? Do you think it is important?
Those are the result of his self-conflict I guess. He does it when he thinks he shouldn't do a particular thing but can't help doing the same anyway. It's like talking to himself or rather consoling himself.
35. [Chapter 29] Do you think Todd came to the right decision when he realized he wouldn’t kill Aaron? Does this make him a coward?
No, it doesn't. Some people just don't have it in them but that isn't cowardice. He is a good person at heart. I'd rather say what Aaron was doing is an act of cowardice.
. Why do you think Todd was seeing that boy? Why couldn’t Manchee see him? Does the boy symbolize anything?
That was Todd's alter personality, I think. As Caron has said, the boy was Todd's inferior self. Though Todd seemed troubled by the presence of him, it was good to see him gain confidence and leave that shadow behind.
37. Manchee. How did you feel as you read the scene at the river? What were you hoping would happen? Are you surprised by Manchee’s fate? How do you think this will affect Todd? If he decides to kill Aaron do you think it would be justifiable?
I hated Todd Hewitt for this! I HATED him! No matter whatever happens later in the story I'd always hate him for abandoning Manchee like that! What a selfish act! It actually made me cry. And I didn't expect Todd to do it. I was shocked, really shocked and hurt!
It has to affect Todd! His conscience will make him feel guilty and that is just punishment for him.
If he kills Aaron I won't mind but the question is will he? I don't think so. -_-
38. I’m wondering what impressions you all have for various characters. So, for each of the follow characters please pick one word to describe their personality. Pick a trait or description that you think is most central to who they are as a person.
Todd- Brave
Aaron- Insane!!! >_<
Manchee- Adorable, loyal.
Viola- Intelligent
Hildy- Helpful
Ben- Strong personality
Wilf- A friend in need.
Jane- Overtly curious!
6. What were your initial thoughts about the girl & where she might have come from?I thought she must have come from the same planet but from a different area.
7. How in the world did Aaron survive being drug off by a crocodile? Any thoughts on where Aaron might fit in? What do you think? Will we be seeing more of him in the future?
He sure is one crazy dude! He seems almost supernatural. I'm sure we will see more of him.
8. What part do you think religion might play as the novel continues?
I think the religion is a big part of the life in the village, but not so much of Todd. So I guess the amount of religion will depend on how well the men succeed in following Todd and Viola.
9. Aaron ultimately envisioned the girl being sacrificed. Could that be the big secret? Do you think that is what happened to all the women/girls?
Hmmm, I don't think it's likely but possible, of course.
10. Could that be why Aaron was spending so much time in the swamp? Do you think the kids are in more danger than just people looking for Todd?
Maybe. I just thought the Noise had drowned the crash.
11. Does anyone else think that there is going to be more to the girl's story? Something that's going to be revealed later -- a big prophecy perhaps, or somehow she's the pivotal point in some larger story?
Her reaction certainly is strange, but she could also be in shock. But yes, I think there is something that we will find out later.
12. Do you think their break-off settlement could have been from a larger similar society?
I just thought that the circumstances and a few overreligious leaders have caused it. If they had come from such a society, why would they have taken forbidden books with them in the first place.
13. Have you noticed any other different traits?
No, I haven't, but I tend to read very quickly and often miss small details. Partly it is because English is not my first language, thus I'm not always sure whether I don't just recognise a "normal" English word or whether it is a "book-specific, new" word.
14. Why do you think she hasn't tried to communicate in any way verbally with Todd?
Maybe she was just scared, I don't know. Of course it woild be possible that she doesn't understand his language, but I know by now that that's not true.
DQs - Day 3 - Chps 13-1915) In chapter 13 we see that Viola is beginning to open up and speak to Todd. Do you see Todd's & Viola's relationship developing further? Would you like to see it develop? Do you think it is a healthy relationship? Why or why not?
I really don't want to see a romance develop with them. I like the idea of friends on an adventure. It doesn't always have to have romance.
16) Once Todd and Viola burn down the bridge they meet a woman by the name of Hildy. Hildy always calls Todd & Viola 'pup'. Why do you think she does this? Is it a term of endearment or something else?
Term of endearment. I noticed that Manchee also called the little children puppies.
17) Todd expresses surprise when he discovers that Hildy is married "to a man with Noise". Why do you think he is so surprised? Tam is also able to quieten his Noise so that he is virtually 'normal'. Do you think that realising this of Tam that Todd may feel it could be possible for him to also learn how to do the same thing with his Noise?
I think Todd believes that the two types could not exist together. Kind of sounds like Todd is more like a savage and never been taught how to quiet the noise because in Prentisstown Noise is a form of control.
18) When Viola & Todd arrive in Farbranch, Todd is initially pleasantly surprised by the calmness of the towns people and how the Noise here is so different from Prentisstown. However, he soon discovers that the name Prentisstown turns these calm people into very angry people. Why do you think the name 'Prentisstown' has this affect on those in Farbranch?
I was feeling that these people were more like Amish. Something traumatic must have occurred for them to react that way
19) Todd & Viola are on the run from the men of Prentisstown who happen to also be gathering an army to capture Todd. Why is it so important for the Prentisstown men to capture Todd? What threat, if any, does he pose for them?
Havent figured that out yet.
20) When Matthew goes crazy he traps Todd & Manchee in the barn. Manchee really comes into his own here when he tries to protect Todd by biting Matthew. Matthew then responds by chopping off part of Manchee's tail with his machete. How did you feel when this happened?
I was so mad and sad. I am a dog lover and I don't like people being cruel to animals. I only wish my dog could have spoken. I thought maybe Todd only put up with Manchee but this part shows he really does care for Manchee.
21) In light of the fact that Todd is only a young boy (12 years old) why is an army necessary to capture him? The only weapon he has is a knife so why can't he captured by one or two people rather than an army?
The army is used for intimidation tactics against the people who would be harboring Todd.
Stacie wrote: "DQs - Day 3 - Chps 13-19I keep thinking they know about that diary and want the info in there.
..."
Good point I never thought about that.
Eni wrote: "Sorry i'm late! I was having problems with picking up this book. First chapter did not seduce me at all. I hated Todd and his dog abuse >_> and like Anima, the language was really bothering me.But..."
I felt the same way at the beginning but I have stuck with it and I am liking it much better.
Nothing But Reading Challenges
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Same here, it's starting to annoy me..."
I was just a little confused why it's only occasional words. Usually when people have that level of undereducation it would be worse. The narrator doesn't seem like he's one of the un-schooled people of Prentisstown.