Characters and Setting
What is the name of the main character in the story?
Tom Walsh
Why does Tom like to move south in the winter?
Because life is easier in the sun and in northern Europe it is cold.
How do Tom and the two girls first start talking?
Tom waves to them as they enter his carriage.
What is a major theme of the story related to Tom’s lifestyle?
The theme of freedom and adventure
Why might Tom have been chosen for the police check?
The story implies that the large amount of money in the purse made the police suspicious.
Where does Tom travel to after Venice?
Trieste
How long does the train journey from Trieste to Sofia take?
A day and a half
How does Tom feel about Melanie and Carol after they meet?
He likes them and enjoys talking
What does the presence of the large amount of money in Tom's bag symbolize?
It symbolizes unexpected problems in Tom's journey.
What can we infer about Tom’s future plans after the end of the story?
Tom is likely to continue his adventurous lifestyle.
Which city do Melanie and Carol come from?
Los Angeles, USA
What does Tom discover in his bag when the police stop him?
A large amount of dollars
What do Melanie and Carol plan to do after leaving Bela Palanka?
Plan to go to Sofia and meet Tom
How does the story explore the concept of trust?
Tom trusts Melanie and Carol, but this trust is betrayed when they leave him with the money.
What might happen when Tom meets Boris after prison?
They could travel together, beginning a new adventure
In which country does Tom get stopped by the police?
Bulgaria
What do Melanie and Carol do when they find out Tom is low on money?
They offer to invite him to eat at the best restaurant in Sofia.
How do Melanie and Carol help Tom after he mentions he is low on money?
They offer to treat you to a meal at the best restaurant in Sofia.
What role does the train play in the story?
The train symbolizes Tom's journey and his changing experiences.
Why do you think the police were so quick to suspect Tom of smuggling?
He was a young traveler with long hair, which made him look suspicious.
What is the name of the hotel where Melanie and Carol plan to meet Tom?
Hotel Marmara
What ultimately happens to Tom's train?
The train leaves without him
What is Tom's reaction when the police find the money in his bag?
He is surprised and insists that the money is not his.
How does the story use the concept of "meeting interesting people"?
It highlights how Tom's encounters with different people shape his experiences.
Do you think Tom will ever see Melanie and Carol again? Why or why not?
Probably not, as they successfully framed him and moved on without any consequences.