Close to Home
Where did Nicky live temporarily while his mother was undergoing chemotherapy?
At Aunty Loh's house
What does the son start doing after the mother disappears?
Knitting
What happens to the clock during the wedding morning?
It falls and breaks.
What is Petrus’ parents' occupation?
Cabbage farmers
Which literary device is used in this quote?
"The postman’s daily arrival at Block 87 has a song."
Metaphor
What major event caused Nicky to move back home earlier than expected?
A fire at Aunty Loh's house
What 4 personal items of mother does the father find hidden inside the knitted Thing?
The mother’s dress, socks, brooches, and bracelet.
Who does the mother blame for the missing clock?
Uncle Mang/Her husband
Who becomes Lynn’s unexpected friend while she waits for letters?
Uncle Boon
What is it called when an object represents a bigger idea?
Symbol
What material did Aunty Loh use to sew the pillow for Pei Fen’s baby?
What did the father do when the school wants the son to stop?
He withdrew his son from school.
Why does Jiahua hide the broken clock instead of telling his family?
He is afraid it would be seen as bad luck for his sister's wedding.
How many people are there in Uncle Boon's house?
7 - Uncle Boon, His son, His DIL, His 3 grandchildren, Domestic Helpe
Which sound device is used here?
"swift sounds of letter-slotting"
Alliteration /s/
Name one theme explored in Close to Home
Family & Relationships
Resilience in the face of challenges
Loss & Grief
Care & Responsibility
What does the Thing made of black wool symbolize in the story?
It symbolises his growing grief.
What made Uncle Mang blow up?
Mother accusing him to having an affair
What theme is shown through Lynn not getting a drumstick like her brothers?
Inequality/Discrimination
What literary device is shown here?
"The scooter coughs in spurts as if its engine were trying to clear its throat."
Personification
What 2 things does the sewing machine symbolise?
It symbolises Aunty Loh's resilience and personal losses/lost hopes.
Near the end of the story, what did the father compare the son's smile to and what is its significance?
A butterfly. It shows his fear of breaking something fragile and precious (symbolizing how delicate healing can be)
What does the clock symbolise in the story.
The clock symbolizes the loss of stability and growing fractures within the family.
What does the letter symbolize for both Petrus and Lynn?
Hope, Escape and/or Friendship
What motif is revealed by the father's nightly visits to the Thing?