THEMES AND SYMBOLS
What season frames most of the novel, emphasizing reflection and restraint?
Christmas / winter
Who is the protagonist of the novel?
Bill Furlong
Where does Bill discover a disturbing secret?
The convent coal shed
In what country does the story take place?
Ireland
Is the novel a short story, novella, or full-length novel?
Novella
What object represents Bill Furlong’s livelihood and moral responsibility?
Coal
What one word describes Bill Furlong’s role in his family?
Provider
What does Bill find locked inside the coal shed?
A young abused girl
What religious institution holds major power in the town?
The Catholic Church
How would you describe Claire Keegan’s writing style?
Sparse, restrained, emotionally powerful
What does the convent symbolize within the town?
Institutional control and hidden cruelty
Who is the second oldest daughter in the Furlong family?
Joan
What does mother superior do when Bill brings the Sarah to the front door?
Invites him in for tea.
What real historical abuse is the novel based on?
Magdalene Laundries
Why is the story told through quiet, everyday moments?
To show how evil hides in ordinary life
How does silence function as a recurring theme in the story?
Silence allows injustice to continue
Which character’s quiet authority allows cruelty to continue without open violence?
Mother Superior
What domestic conversation reveals the personal cost Bill may face if he challenges the convent?
His discussion with Eileen, where she warns him about losing business and upsetting the town’s stability.
Why were unmarried pregnant women often sent to convents?
Social shame and control of women
How does Bill’s childhood shape his moral choices?
His empathy comes from being shown kindness as a child
What does the title Small Things Like These suggest about morality?
Moral choices are found in everyday actions
What name did Sarah Redmond go by in the church?
Enda
What moment involving Bill’s childhood memories most strongly pushes him toward intervening at the convent?
Remembering how Mrs. Wilson protected and supported him when his mother was vulnerable.
What social division allowed powerful institutions to control poorer families with little resistance during this period?
Division of classes.
What message does the novel suggest about personal responsibility?
Individuals are responsible for resisting injustice