COMPREHENSION
How does Susan feel about David after meeting his grandmother?
She feels sorry for him.
What is the overall MOOD of this story?
Mysterious; suspenseful
How do you think Susan felt when Jeff and Betsy wouldn’t help her? What did she realize?
*Susan felt scared and alone
*She realized that these people were never her friends
Why do you think Kathy Griffin says that Mr. Griffin spoke of his students often?
Although he was abrasive and strict, Mr. Griffin cared about his students. She wanted Susan to know that; maybe to get her to tell the truth.
Why was Mark waiting for Susan in the hallway by the water fountain?
He wanted to prep her; tell her to lie
Why do you think Mr. Griffin and Mr. Ruggles had the same ring?
They probably went to the same college.
Why did Susan say that she loves and hates Mark?
Inner conflict
During a dinner conversation, what did Susan realize about her family?
How much she truly loves them.
WEAK; FOLLOWER
Jeff
The students made tragic decisions that led them into a life of ____ and guilt.
Lies
David feels guilt when he sees Mr. Griffin's body, so he does these TWO things.
David closes Mr. Griffin's eyes and covers his face.
Why do you think Mark is talking about his dad while tying Susan up and burning the house? What does it say about him?
*Flashback - he killed his father
*Mark is mentally ill
What does Susan realize at David's house after learning about Grandma Ruggles' death?
Putting some clues together (ring, brown sweater), Susan realizes that Mark killed David’s grandmother and is a very dangerous person.
OVERACHIEVING; COMPASSIONATE
Susan
Susan says, “I wish it were last Saturday.”
What does she mean by this?
She expresses her regret, and how she could redo this awful decision.
What did the police discover upon locating Mr. Griffin’s body and why does Mark deny it?
*The missing ring and wallet
*Mark thought nobody knew about the location except for them
What could Susan’s final “Song for Ophelia” symbolize?
Heartbreak
Describe how Mark's eyes are a symbol in the story.
Answers will vary.
Repetitive image in the story. They reveal the true Mark.
SHY; RESPONSIBLE
David
How did Susan feel after reading Mr. Griffin’s comments on her poem and why?
Answers will vary. Be sure to defend your response.
How would you describe the relationship between most of these parents and their children?
Answers will vary.
Unmindful; distant; uncommunicative
How has Susan experienced “little deaths” or “small, daily rejections of well-meant offerings” throughout this story?
Susan lost many things, as did Mr. Griffin, his wife, and their unborn child.
Explain the significance of the ring, and why the author makes reference to it so many times.
Answers will vary.
Repetitive image in the story. Author makes us think about the connection between Mr. Griffin and David's father.
When Mr. and Mrs. McConnell had a counseling session with a psychologist, what did they learn about Mark?
He is a sociopath - exhibits antisocial attitude/behavior and a lack of conscience
Marks says to David, “What a life you lead. It’s like punching a time clock.”
What does he mean by this?
Answers will vary. Be sure to defend your response.