Silence as power
How does Matt’s silence give him authority within the Morrison family?
By not explaining his decisions, Matt prevents discussion, making his choices unquestionable and reinforcing his control.
Why do the Morrison siblings avoid talking about their parents’ deaths?
The trauma is too overwhelming, so silence becomes a coping mechanism.
How does silence shape decision-making in the Morrison household?
Decisions are made by authority figures without discussion or consent.
What false assumption does Kate make because Matt does not explain himself?
She believes he does not care about her feelings or future.
Where do we see silence replacing communication in modern families?
In families avoiding discussions about grief, finances, or mental health.
Why is Matt’s silence often more effective than verbal argument?
Silence shuts down opposition and removes the possibility of disagreement, allowing power to go unchallenged.
How does silence affect the siblings’ ability to process grief?
It isolates grief, preventing collective healing and emotional support.
Why do younger siblings misinterpret Matt’s silence?
They interpret it as indifference or judgment rather than protection.
Why does silence often lead to misunderstanding in relationships?
People fill the absence of communication with assumptions.
How does silence relate to expectations of masculinity today?
Men are often taught that emotional silence equals strength.
How does Luke’s silence strengthen Matt’s authority?
Luke’s compliance normalizes silence as leadership and prevents alternative viewpoints from emerging.
How is silence an “inheritance” in the Morrison family?
Patterns of emotional suppression are passed from the older siblings to the younger ones.
How does silence replace emotional intimacy in the family?
Emotional bonds weaken because feelings are never shared or validated.
How does Lawson show that silence is never neutral?
Silence always influences power, emotion, and interpretation within relationships.
How does silence operate in institutions like governments or schools?
Decisions are made without consultation, silencing those affected.
In what way does silence replace leadership in the Morrison family?
Authority is based on control and responsibility rather than communication and mutual understanding.
How does Lawson suggest silence can deepen trauma?
When grief is not voiced, it turns into misunderstanding and long-term emotional distance.
How does silence create unequal power between siblings?
Those who speak control outcomes, while those who remain silent lose agency.
Compare spoken authority and silent authority in Crow Lake.
Spoken authority invites dialogue, while silent authority enforces obedience.
Why are louder voices often mistaken for correct voices?
Volume is associated with confidence and authority, even without truth.
Is Matt’s silence an ethical form of leadership? Explain.
It can be seen as ethical because it protects the family, but also unethical because it removes emotional transparency and agency from others.
Does the novel suggest trauma can heal without communication? Why or why not?
No, because silence prevents understanding and reconciliation, allowing emotional wounds to persist.
How might open communication have changed the Morrison family dynamic?
It could have fostered understanding, shared responsibility, and emotional connection.
Is misunderstanding inevitable when silence dominates a relationship? Explain.
Yes, because without communication, emotional intentions are left unclear.
How can silence be both protective and harmful in real life?
It can shield others from pain but also prevent understanding and healing.