Characters
Who is the narrator and main character of Moonrise?
Joe Moon
"I've travelled to Texas because someone I love is running out of time." Who is this idea most connected to?
Joe
What is the technique called when a text returns to an event that happened in the past?
Analepsis/flashback.
What is the relationship between Joe and Ed?
They are brothers.
What major experience causes Joe to travel to Texas?
Ed is on death row and approaching execution.
Which character is Joe's older brother and is awaiting execution?
Ed Moon
"I have spent years separated from my family while waiting for my fate."
Ed.
Sarah Crossan frequently breaks sentences across different lines. What is this technique called?
Enjambment.
Which character becomes an important friend/romantic connection for Joe in Texas?
Nell.
Name one emotion Joe experiences because of his family situation.
Fear, sadness, anger, confusion, loneliness, grief, hope etc.
Who travels with Joe to Texas at the beginning of the novel?
Angela
"I've had to deal with the consequences of my brother's imprisonment even though I'm not the one being punished."
Joe
Crossan deliberately leaves large amounts of blank space around words and sentences. What technique is this?
White space.
How has Ed's imprisonment affected his relationship with Joe?
They have been physically separated for years, but Joe remains emotionally connected to Ed and is deeply affected by his situation.
Give one example of how Ed's imprisonment affects someone other than Ed.
Joe experiences emotional distress, separation and disruption; Angela/Aunt Karen and other family members are also affected.
Which Character does Joe develop an important relationship with while he is in Texas?
Nell
"My relationship with Joe develops while he is experiencing one of the most difficult periods of his life."
Nell
Why does Crossan use very short lines at emotional moments in the novel?
To slow the reader down, emphasise particular words/emotions and reflect Joe's emotional state.
Why is Joe and Nell's relationship important to Joe's experience in Texas?
Nell provides companionship/support while Joe is dealing with isolation, uncertainty and fear surrounding Ed.
How do Joe's memories influence his present-day experiences?
His memories help him process his relationship with Ed, understand his family experiences and deal with his emotions in the present.
Which character has taken on a parental/caring role in Joe's life, and why is this significant?
Aunt Karen. She provides stability/support because Joe's family circumstances have been disrupted
"I have had to take responsibility for members of the Moon family because their family circumstances are unstable."
Aunt Karen.
How does analepsis help the reader understand Joe's relationship with Ed?
Flashbacks reveal Joe's memories of Ed and allow readers to understand their history, connection and how Ed's imprisonment has affected Joe.
Which relationship could be considered one of the most influential on Joe's individual experience? Explain why.
Most likely Joe and Ed. Ed's imprisonment and possible execution shape Joe's decisions, memories, emotions and experiences.
"Individual experiences are shaped by the people around us." Explain how Moonrise supports this statement.
Joe's experiences are heavily influenced by his relationships, particularly with Ed and his family. Ed's imprisonment shapes Joe's emotions, choices and understanding of himself, while other relationships such as Nell provide support and influence how he copes.