Chapter 19

 

  1. Can the problems with the cold inside the courtroom be related at all symbolically to Kabuo’s trial which is in progress?
  2. Comment on how and why Hooks draws out the testimony from Dr Whitman.
  3. Nels’s questioning qualifies the value of Whitman’s evidence in two respects – how?
  4. However, the testimonies of Leonard George and First Sergeant Maples represent setbacks for the defence. Why?

    5.  

    Chapter 20

     

    1 ‘Alvin Hooks…knew well the value of a Susan Heine.’ Comment.

    2. Comment on the significance of where Carl may have met Susan Marie.

    3. Comment on the visit of Kabuo and the possible reasons for his abrupt departure.

    4.What does Susan Marie make of the relationship between the two men?

  5. Explain the garden of Eden symbolism in the last para.
  6. What might be the significance of the garden of Eden symbolism in the final paragraph?

 

Chapter 21

Nels reflects on his physical decay; he then cross examines Susan Heine.

 

1 Explain the way in which Nels draws attention to the Deadman’s statute and why he does so.

NB the tree crashing down on Piersall Road symbolically represents the dent that Nels has just made in the prosecution case. The total blackout, cooinciding wiith the end of the state case suggests that this level of prejudice is spent.

Ch 22

A snowstorm is shutting down the island; Ishmael takes photos and gives a lift to the Imadas.

1 What do we learn about Ishmael from his behaviour in this chapter?

2 Comment on the significance of the obliteration of borders by the snow.

Some things perhaps are better hidden or forgotten – this is why Hatsue has relegated her affair with Ish to the past. If the trial will acquit K then the snow is purifying; but at the moment it is hiding the truth that underneath apparent purity is prejudice, and the facts are fleeting. Ishmael wonders whether borders really do provoke fights and deaths; the answer is ‘yes’ – this is the cause of wars.

3 Analyse the exchange between Hatsue and Ishmael when they discuss ‘fairness’.

Chapter 23

Researching the weather records at the lighthouse, Ishmael discovers that, on the night of Carl’s death, a freighter had thrown up a wall of water powerful enough to knock Carl from his boat.
  1. What does Ishmael’s memory of meeting Hatsue after the war reveal?
  2. What do the records reveal to Ishmael?
  3. Explain the position that Ishmael finds himself in.

4. Comment on the effect that Guterson achieves by revealing this solution so early in the trial.

 

 

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