Characters
This character is the youngest brother who is particularly vulnerable.
Harry
The setting of the novel, where the brothers live.
Bruny Island, the Tasmanian coast.
The theme that is embodied by Stuart's mother and Mr. Roberts
The dangers of being a bystander.
“Harry was the youngest and the most vulnerable.” Identify the significance of this quote.
Establishes an empathy towards Harry in the reader.
The author of Past the Shallows.
Favel Parrett
The name of the boys' father.
Stephen Curren
The tragic event that Harry struggles to remember the details of.
The car accident.
The theme explored through the dual narration of Harry and Miles.
Childhood innocence vs. Adult realities
“The ocean was a wild place, unpredictable and dangerous.” Discuss how this quote reflects the novel’s setting.
The landscape, particularly the ocean, represents the emotions and events taking place in the lives of the brothers.
The geographical location where the novel is set.
Bruny Island, Tasmania.
This is the brother who loves to surf and is often seen exploring the coast.
Miles
The reason Miles and Harry have to stay with their father.
Their older brother Joe has left to go to the mainland.
The theme exemplified by the affair between Mum and Uncle Nick.
The dangers of secrecy.
Analyse the meaning of the quote: “Sometimes it felt like the ocean was the only thing that could hold him.”
Establishes Miles' connection to the ocean. Informs the reader that he feels very isolated, alone and misunderstood.
Abalone is
A marine mollusk
Abalone fisherman
The activity that Joe and Miles enjoy together.
Surfing
The theme explored through the characterisation of Dad and the brothers.
Grief
This quote, “He was just a kid, but he had to be strong,” highlights which character’s struggle?
Miles
The award for which the novel was shortlisted in 2012.
Newcomer of the Year - Australian Book Industry Awards
The name of George's dog.
Jake
The secret that the father is hiding and its impact on the family.
The impact of the unreliable narrator
To build empathy for Harry in the reader.
Identify the technique in and meaning of the quote: “Secrets have a way of coming out, no matter how deep you bury them.”
Personification. The line comments on the inevitable revelation of secrets within a family and the capacity they have to irreparably damage familial relationships.
The year Past the Shallows was first published.
2011