Characters
Who are the veterans?
Chrissie and Rodney
"You've been told and not told."
Miss Lucy.
Ruth can be more manipulative acts as if she's more aware of things than anybody else in the group is. Her position between Kath and Tommy is complicated and is constantly evolving over the years.
How does Kathy describe the countryside of where she works as a carer?
Quiet and peaceful. It has a little bit of a sense of freedom.
"I suppose it was just to do with me and Ruth, and the sort of loyalty she inspired in me those days."
Kathy.
Why are the veterans so obsessed with Hailsham?
They keep hearing rumors of Hailsham giving extra time before they start making donations or caring.
How do the students being unaware of their future affect their perception of their lives?
It leads to the students to be oblivious of their future, and see their lives as normal. (They talk about moving to America and pursuing regular jobs.)
"She's scared of us."
Ruth (talking about Madame).
How do Ruth and Kathy's relationship change overtime?
It starts innocent but normal. They have a few disagreements like all children do, but even after they've graduated Hailsham, Ruth still seems to be passive aggressive and manipulative, putting a strain on their relationship.
Hailsham can be both nurturing and controlling, having a sense of innocence (creativity and art) while also keeping students unaware of what they will become later in life.
"To be honest, I don't know what you're all talking about. What rules are these?"
Tommy.
How is Miss Lucy different from other guardians?
She seems to care more about the current feelings of the students rather than their actual future. She wants them to truly know what's going to happen to them. She's the only one that shows some sort of moral struggle.
How is Hailsham different from the Cottages?
Hailsham is described as having more structure than the Cottages. There's more freedom in their new environment.
"But You Hailsham lot, you're really lucky..."
Chrissie.