What is significant about the name "Barbour"? What might it symbolize?
Once at the Barbour's home, the father, mother, and Andy all treat him quite differently. Which of these treatments might you prefer in Theo's position? Why?
What makes the choice to stay with the Barbour family appear to have been a really good choice? Give some specifics that make it appear to be a good place for Theo at this time.
Theo describes the Barbour home in less-than-flattering terms, as does his father in the past. It is said to feel like a funeral home, and Theo finds that comforting. Why comforting?
At the end of section iii, Theo tells us, "Over and over, I kept thinking I've got to go home and then, for the millionth time, I can't." What does he mean by this? Explain.
Why do you think Tom Cable treats Theo the way he does when he returns to school?
What is significant about all the advice and comforting words the school staff give to Theo? What does this do for him?
In lieu of staying with the grandparents due to Dorothy's "back ailment", his grandparents offer to put him up in a Holiday Inn. What does this suggest about them?
I know we don't know yet,..but what is significant about the name "Blackwell"? Why do you think the name and the ring are of such interest to Mrs. Barbour?
On p. 98, Andy offers the following quote: "Nature red in tooth and claw." Where is this quote from? How is it appropriate to the situation?
Why do you think the grandparents are so reticent to take him in? He's 13, not 3...how much work could that be? Heck, he could probably even help...
While the Barbours have plenty of resources to help care for Theo, this doesn't seem to be a great place for him. Why does that appear to be true? Give some examples.
In the police interview at the school, why can't Theo remember details that he has already related to us and can recall right after the interview? Why don't those who are there to act as advocates for him actually step up and advocate more for him in this scene?
Can you see any symbolism in the Whitman poem? How might it tie into the story? What does the allusion to Macbeth mean?
What about the funeral...?
Although far from being motherly, in what ways does Mrs. Barbour display motherly traits towards Theo?
Do a quick search for Billy Budd. What is that story about? How might it relate to this story?
How do you predict the ring will come into play? And Hobie? He seems to be an intriguing character already...