Themes
How is the theme of social class explored in these chapters?
The theme of social class is shown through the strict divisions on the Boundless, where first-class passengers enjoy luxury while those in lower classes face hardship.
What special event is taking place that draws a large crowd to the train station in Chapter 3?
The launch of the Boundless, the longest and most luxurious train ever built, which is making its maiden voyage across Canada.
How does Will react to the changes in his life now that his father has been promoted and they are traveling on The Boundless?
Will feels uncomfortable with the new attention he and his family are receiving due to his father's promotion.
In Chapter 3, Oppel describes the train in vivid detail. Find an example of imagery in this chapter.
“The locomotive gleamed like polished obsidian, smoke billowing in black coils into the sky.”
What does "opulent" mean?
Luxurious and extravagant.
In what ways does courage become an important theme for Will in these chapters
Will shows courage by choosing to run and hide after witnessing a murder, rather than staying silent or retreating to safety.
How does Will feel about being on the Boundless, and why is he conflicted?
Will feels both excited and out of place. He’s amazed by the luxury and scale of the train, but he’s also uncomfortable with the growing distance between him and his father, who is now a wealthy railroad executive.
What do we learn about Will’s father, Mr. Everett, in these chapters?
Mr. Everett is proud of his new position and wants what’s best for his family, but his relationship with Will feels a bit strained.
Identify an example of foreshadowing in Chapters 3–7.
Will notices suspicious behavior among some of the train staff and performers, and he has an uneasy feeling about the cargo being loaded.
What does "bravado" mean?
Arrogant and showy.
How does the theme of identity and self-discovery begin to develop for Will
Will starts questioning who he is and where he belongs. He feels out of place among the wealthy first-class passengers and more connected to the performers and workers.
Who is Mr. Dorian, and what is his role in the story during these chapters?
Mr. Dorian is the mysterious ringmaster of the traveling circus onboard the Boundless. He becomes an important character when Will encounters the circus and begins to learn more about life beyond the first-class cars.
When Will meets Maren, what is his impression of her? How does she challenge or surprise him?
Will is intrigued by Maren when he first meets her. She’s confident, clever, and doesn’t seem impressed by status. She surprises Will by being both talented and fearless, especially in how she performs and handles herself around strangers.
Find a simile or metaphor in Chapters 3–7.
“The train was a river of steel cutting through the wilderness.”
What does "monstrous" mean and what is it describing?
Huge in size: describing the train.
What does the Boundless itself symbolize in relation to the theme of progress and ambition?
The Boundless symbolizes the ambition of progress and human achievement—it’s a technological marvel meant to show Canada’s expansion and power. However, it also highlights the costs of ambition, including greed, inequality, and moral compromise.
What dangerous event does Will witness that forces him to hide in the train?
Will witnesses a murder involving the guard of the funeral car and a group of criminals who are trying to steal a priceless artifact buried with the railway’s founder. This forces Will to flee and hide among the other train cars.
There are hints that not everyone on the train can be trusted. Identify a character who seems suspicious in these chapters and explain why. What clues does the author give?
The guard or one of the performers gives off a suspicious vibe—perhaps by being overly secretive, asking odd questions, or acting nervous.
Look for an example where Oppel gives human qualities to a non-human element, such as the train or the landscape.
“The wind howled past the cars like a warning cry.”
What does "nimble" mean?
Light and quick on her feet.
How is the theme of trust and betrayal introduced in these chapters?
Trust is tested when Will sees that some of the train workers are actually criminals. He realizes he can’t trust appearances and must decide who to trust as he seeks help.
How does Will’s perspective on class and privilege begin to change in these chapters?
As Will moves through different sections of the train and meets people from various backgrounds, including performers and workers, he begins to see the inequalities aboard the Boundless and starts questioning the rigid social structure he’s been part of.
Compare Will to another character introduced in Chapters 3–7 (such as Maren, a performer, or a guard).
Will and Maren are both brave and curious, but Maren seems more self-assured and used to taking risks. Will is more reflective and hesitant, especially at first.
Consider the train, The Boundless, as a symbol. What might it represent in the story, especially based on what we learn in Chapters 3–7?
The train, The Boundless, may symbolize progress, ambition, or even the vastness and unpredictability of life.
What does "scrutiny" mean?
Being watched very closely.