Characters
Who runs the coal and fuel business?
Bill Furlong
In which country does the story take place?
Ireland
What business does Bill run in the town?
Coal and fuel business
What is a popular green symbol of Ireland?
The shamrock
Where does the story take place?
Small Irish town
Where does Mrs. Wilson live?
What is the weather in the town?
Cold, rainy, windy
What do Bill and his family do at home for the holidays?
They bake and write letters to Santa.
What holiday is popular in Ireland and celebrated in the U.S.?
Saint Patrick's Day
Name one thing that Bill is worried about.
1. Family
2. Financial struggles
3. Political state of Ireland
Who is the woman that helped raise Bill when he was a child?
Mrs. Wilson
Which holiday is coming soon in the story?
Christmas
What event does the town gather for in Chapter 3?
Christmas lighting
What is the capital city of Ireland?
Dublin
Name one of Bill's daughters.
Kathleen
Joan
Sheila
Grace
Loretta
Who is Bill’s wife?
Eileen
What time period does the story take place?
1985
Why is Loretta scared during the Christmas event?
A man dressed as Santa frightens her.
What language do people speak in Ireland?
English and Irish/Gaelic
Who is Bill's father?
He does not know who is father is
Which one of Bill’s daughters is scared of Santa during the Christmas lighting?
Loretta
Where does Bill go with his workers on Fridays?
Kehoe’s
What gift does Bill say he wants for Christmas?
A book, like David Copperfield or a dictionary.
What was happening in Ireland during the 1980’s?
Conflict over who should control Northern Ireland
or
Rise in poverty and economic decline
How many daughters do Bill and Eileen have?
5