Chapter 28

1. Notice the time that has passed since the end of chapter 26 and Jo Gillanders' evidence. What has happened during this time?

2. Which two words used by Alvin Hooks in the first paragraph connote that Kabuo is lying? What is Hooks's motive?

3. Why, do you think, that Kabuo says, questioned on the battery story "It seemed to me best not to say anything"?

4. How does Kabuo proceed to tell a lie by oversimplifying as he retells his 'true' account?

5. Find and comment on the examples of prejudice in the last 4 paragraphs?

6. What is Guterson seeking to show us through this chapter?


Chapter 29

1. Look back to pg 231. What detail can you find to corroborate Kabuo's story about the visit to the chandlery?

2. Hooks's argument rests on the 'three things the defendant hasn't counted on.' What are they? How would you answer them?

3. What is the real weakness in Hooks's hypothesis?

4. Why does Hooks choose to end with 'Look into his eyes'?

5. Summarise Nels's answer, and find where he explicitly connects the storm outside the court with the prejudice inside.

6. Relate Nels's 'we are the victims of irrational fears' to the last sentence of the novel.

7. Comment on the comment of the judge with which the chapter ends, and relate this to Guterson's point in this chapter: what is he using the plot to suggest?


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