Plot
Where are the kids headed before Burl redirects them?
Juicy’s mansion.
Which character is viewed as a leader, similar to Moses?
Burl.
What biblical story does Burl leading the kids echo?
The Exodus (Moses leading people to safety).
Who says, “He had the air of one who knew”?
The narrator (Evie) about Burl.
Why do they end up at the farm instead?
The roads are blocked and Burl guides them to a safer backup location.
What does Evie notice about the world as they travel inland?
Their choices are shrinking; options disappearing.
The animals in the boxes symbolize what?
Innocence, hope, or the preservation of life.
“Behold a dreaded thing: a mother.” Who is the “mother” here?
Sukey’s mother.
Who suddenly shows up at the farm, disrupting the kids’ sense of safety?
Sukey’s mother.
Which character continues caring for animals, reflecting their innocence and moral center?
Jack.
The farm/barn is a metaphor for what larger idea?
A moral or ethical “ark” of refuge during collapse.
What does the quote “But out there… the options were shrinking” reveal?
Evie’s awareness of the collapsing world and their limited choices.
What major event happens to Sukey’s mother at the farm?
She goes into labor and dies from blood loss.
What is Sukey forced to do for her mother despite their complicated relationship?
Take care of her during labor and drive her away.
What biblical allusion is represented by the kids’ journey inland after the storm?
Noah’s Ark.
“We’d make it to the farm, and it was all because of Burl.” What device is being used here?
Biblical allusion to Moses / chosen leader.
What crisis forces the children to donate blood back at the original house?
A fever outbreak among the parents.
What does Sukey’s mother accuse the teens of that makes them panic about consequences>
Stealing cars and causing trouble.
What device is shown when the kids behave with more order and maturity than the chaotic parents?
Juxtaposition.
“Only Burl… had found us a refuge.” What theme does this quote support?
Failure of adult responsibility + kids’ reliance on each other.