18 Questions
What was the reaction of the pupils when they witnessed the attack on Mr. Joseph?
They looked on horrified, many of them screaming, and all of them too scared to go to their teacher's rescue.
How did Otis, the head boy, react during the attack?
He screamed at the other pupils to get help and eventually managed to call the police.
What was the consequence of Mr. Joseph's attack?
He drew his last breath in the arms of Otis Westwood and Mrs. Cartwright.
What was the setting of the story?
The story took place in a school, in front of dozens of other pupils.
How did the attacker, Lionel, behave after the attack?
He pulled the knife out and jogged away slowly with his friend Ramzi Sanchin following behind him.
How did the narrator, Jackson Jones, react to witnessing the crime?
He stood and watched, feeling real shock, but didn't panic, he just froze.
What was the narrator's initial reaction when witnessing the violent act committed by Lionel?
The narrator's whole body went numb, and their brain 'crashed' like a computer.
What is implied about Lionel and Ramzi's nature through their actions in the passage?
They are portrayed as hardened and experienced in violence, with a sense of ease and calm in their actions.
What is the significance of the narrator's past friendship with Lionel?
It highlights the narrator's complex emotions towards Lionel, who is both a familiar figure and a perpetrator of violence.
How does the narrator suggest that films can influence our perception of violence?
Films can make violence seem cool and artistic, with a focus on dramatic music and final words.
What atmosphere or setting is created in the passage, particularly during the violent act?
A sense of detachment, calmness, and ease, similar to a typical day.
What does the narrator's reflection on films reveal about their understanding of violence?
The narrator recognizes that real-life violence is different from its glamorous portrayal in films.
How did the narrator's experience of witnessing Mr. Joseph's death differ from what is typically depicted in movies?
It was more violent and intense, involving a loss of bodily functions and convulsions, and lacked the romanticism often shown in films.
What was the atmosphere like at the school after Mr. Joseph's death?
The school was surrounded by police, and all entrances were sealed off; an ambulance arrived and took the body away.
How did the narrator feel after witnessing the event, and what did this reveal about their priorities?
The narrator felt hungry, which they felt guilty about, revealing that even in the face of tragedy, daily needs and desires can still arise.
What does the narrator's mother's behavior in the story reveal about her character?
She is strong, determined, and prioritizes her child's well-being, as evidenced by her pushing through the crowd and identifying herself to the police.
What does the setting of the story contribute to the overall tone and atmosphere?
The school setting adds a sense of familiarity and normalcy, making the violent event more jarring and disturbing.
What does the narrator's reflection on their hunger reveal about their emotional state?
It suggests that the narrator is still processing the event and has not yet fully grasped the magnitude of what they witnessed.
This text describes a violent scene where Lionel Ferrier stabs Mr. Joseph and blood splatters. Take a quiz to test your understanding of the events in Chapter 1.
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