Plot Events
Where did the massacre take place?
In Pangbourne Village
How old was Marion Miller?
She was 8 years old.
How does the story show the idea of control?
The parents controlled every part of the children’s lives.
What kind of village is Pangbourne?
A gated, wealthy community with high security.
What does the fence around Pangbourne symbolize?
The parents’ need to protect their families and the "trapped" feeling
When did the murders happen?
Around 8:00-8:30 AM
Who is Sergeant Payne?
He is a police officer helping Dr. Greville investigate.
Why were the children’s lives so organized?
The parents planned everything to make sure the children were “perfect.”
Why did the parents feel safe in Pangbourne?
The security systems would protect them.
Why did the parents make strict schedules?
They wanted to control their children’s time and behavior.
How did the children avoid being harmed during the massacre?
They were part of the plan/they were the killers
Explain this quote from p. 11 (p. 26, book): ‘The dogs and cameras keep people out, but they also keep them in.’
The quote highlights the irony of security systems. They’re meant to protect you from outside threats, but they can also make you feel trapped inside, like you’re always being watched.
Explain why Payne characterizes Pangbourne village as a ‘warm, friendly junior Alcatraz’ (p. 14 bottom).
The kids were constantly watched, and their lives were strictly controlled.
.
How did the design of the houses reflect the parents’ control?
The houses were organized and spotless
What do the children’s bloody handprints mean?
They show the children were part of the violence.
Why have all the evidence been removed and the damage repaired?
Everything’s been cleaned up and fixed to make the place ready for new owners. (erase the horrible memory of what happened there)
Why did Roger Sterling return home from the clinic?
He made up a story to be home for the massacre.
How is the theme of rebellion shown in the story?
The children rebelled by planning and carrying out the massacre.
What made the village’s layout helpful for the children’s plan?
The isolation and planned routines of the families.
What does cameras show?
They show how the parents watched their children all the time.
What was used to kill the security guard?
A bamboo trap
How were the Millers and the Maxteds killed?
Miller: David was electrocuted in the bathtub and Elizabeth died on a booby-trapped exercise bike
Maxteds: Both parents got crushed by a car. 5.
How do the children take power from their parents?
They use the parents’ systems against them.
How does the clean and perfect village contrast with the murders?
It makes the violence even more shocking and disturbing.
What does Marion’s “unlocking” gesture mean?
she is thinking about her escape and her guilt.