Theme: Courage
Who is the main character who repeatedly shows courage throughout Once?
What point of view is Once told from?
First-person point of view, from Felix's perspective.
Who becomes Felix’s close friend and companion on his journey?
Zelda
Who says: “Mum and Dad aren’t coming.”?
Felix
What literary technique compares two things using “like” or “as”?
Simile
What courageous decision does Felix make when he believes his parents are in danger?
He leaves the orphanage to search for them.
At the beginning of the novel, what does Felix believe has happened to his parents?
He believes they are still alive and will come back for him.
How does Felix first show friendship and care towards Zelda?
He rescues Zelda and tries to keep her safe.
What emotion is shown in the quote “Panic is swamping me”?
Fear / panic / feeling overwhelmed
What technique uses words designed to create a strong emotional response in the reader?
Emotive language
Felix risks his own safety to rescue which young girl?
Zelda
How does Felix begin to change after leaving the orphanage?
He becomes more aware of the danger around him and begins to understand that the world is not as safe as he believed.
Why is Felix and Zelda’s friendship important during the difficult events they experience?
They provide each other with comfort, support and hope.
In “Panic is swamping me,” what literary technique is being used?
Emotive language
What technique gives the reader a hint or clue about something that may happen later?
Foreshadowing
Why does rescuing Zelda demonstrate courage rather than simply kindness?
Felix puts himself in danger to help someone else, despite being frightened and vulnerable himself.
How does Felix’s relationship with Zelda help develop his character?
Felix becomes more protective and responsible because he feels he needs to keep Zelda safe.
How does Felix’s friendship with Zelda change his behaviour?
He becomes more protective, responsible and willing to put someone else’s needs before his own.
What does “I can’t be brave” reveal about Felix at this point in the novel?
Felix is frightened and beginning to struggle with the difficult reality of his situation.
Identify the literary technique in: “Suddenly I feel like I’m the one with bread-mould madness burning inside me.”
Simile – Felix compares how he feels to having “bread-mould madness”, showing how confused and overwhelmed he is.
What does Gleitzman suggest about courage through Felix's experiences?
Courage does not mean being fearless; it means continuing to act and help others despite fear and adversity.
How has adversity changed Felix by this point in the novel?
Felix is becoming more courageous, responsible and aware of the reality around him, while still trying to maintain hope.
What does Gleitzman suggest about the importance of friendship during adversity?
Friendship gives people strength, hope and support, helping them cope with difficult experiences.
Explain how the quote “Mum and Dad aren’t coming” connects to the theme of overcoming adversity.
Felix is beginning to face the painful reality that his parents may not return, creating an adversity he must learn to cope with and overcome.
Why does Gleitzman use literary techniques such as similes, emotive language and foreshadowing throughout Once?
To help readers understand Felix’s experiences and emotions, build tension, and develop important themes such as courage, friendship and overcoming adversity.