And Then There Were None #2

Describe the poem Vera Claythorne finds on display above the mantel in her bedroom in chapter 2.  What kind of poem is it?  How are tlhe poems meaning and imagery changed by its context in this novel?  How does it relate to the centerpiece of small china figures that first appears in the subsequent dinner scene in chapter 3?  Hwo does this poem relate to the larger plot or structure of the novel?

And Then There Were None #1

Who is U.N.Owen?  What do we learn about him in the novel's opening pages?

Author Skype

Yesterday we Skyped with author Aimee Henley about The Scourge.  What comments did you find most interesting?  What did you learn about the book and writing that you did not know?  What did you think of Mrs. Henley?

Author Skype

Middle School Book Club Skyping with Aimee Henley, author of  The Scourge.

October 16,2012

The Scourge by Aimee Henley

The Scourge is a fascinating and suspenseful novel that examines the tendency of people to become distrustful, fearful, and superstitious.  Discuss the ways that the characters in The Scourge have become paranoid and irrational.

Scumble

Ledger believes his father’s biggest dream is that Ledger’s savvy will make him lighting fast as a runner.Why does Ledger feel so disappointed when his savvy doesn’t give him this extraordinary ability? What does he fear about his father’s reaction? Do you think his reaction is appropriate?

Savvy Question #2
Fish and Rocket have a terrible time scumbling their savvies. How does this cause a ruckus for the Beaumont clan and others who know them? Are there any parts of your own personality that you have a difficult time controlling? Is it better to tone down parts of yourself so that you fit in society or is it more important to be yourself completely?