Polio Recovery in 1953 Perth

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason the Golden Age was converted from a pub to a convalescent home?

To provide a social hub for the community.

To offer recreational activities for children.

Due to the increasing number of polio cases. (correct)

To create a sanctuary for war refugees.

How does Elsa comfort the crying baby, Rayma?

By playing with her toys.

By singing lullabies.

By telling stories about her family.

By encouraging her to look out the window. (correct)

What impact did polio have on Elsa's feelings towards her parents?

She seeks their approval more than ever.

She feels more connected to them.

She has grown distant from them. (correct)

She blames them for her illness.

What creative outlet did Frank discover while at the IDB?

Writing poetry. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Ida refuse to play the piano after dinner?

She hasn’t played since Frank got sick. Signup and view all the answers

What was significant about Sullivan Backhouse's background before contracting polio?

He was a prefect at a boarding school. Signup and view all the answers

How do Frank's parents feel about their life in Australia?

They have always felt like outsiders. Signup and view all the answers

What does Frank remember about his time with Sullivan Backhouse?

Sullivan's humble approach to poetry. Signup and view all the answers

What is the profession of Jonah Salk as mentioned in the content?

Virologist Signup and view all the answers

How does Frank feel about his mother, Ida, after her concert?

Close and respectful Signup and view all the answers

What consequence do Frank and Elsa face after being discovered together?

They are expelled from the hospital Signup and view all the answers

What emotional state does Frank exhibit while he listens to birds in the backyard?

Depressed and alarmed Signup and view all the answers

What does Meyer express to Sister Penny during their unexpected meeting at the beach?

He feels she taught him how to live there Signup and view all the answers

How does Elsa feel about her perception among others at home?

She worries people see her as a 'cripple' Signup and view all the answers

In Frank's later years, who visits him and what is their relationship?

Jack, Elsa's son, who is an admirer of Frank’s poetry Signup and view all the answers

What does Frank compare his new poetry collection to?

His earlier work, 'The Trains' Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a young boy and a girl’s father suddenly leave the hospital?

It leads to disorder and instability Signup and view all the answers

How does Frank feel about returning to the library as an adult?

He feels bored and lonely Signup and view all the answers

What did Frank feel after being separated from his mother?

He felt exposed and frightened. Signup and view all the answers

What did Ida do to help her husband, Meyer, during the war?

She smuggled food parcels to him. Signup and view all the answers

How did Frank and Elsa's relationship develop?

They shared a deep connection through art. Signup and view all the answers

What does Sister Penny experience as she reflects on her relationship with her daughter?

She feels distant from her daughter. Signup and view all the answers

What was Frank's reaction after sneaking over to lie next to Elsa?

He expressed romantic feelings towards Elsa. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Sister Penny move to the Golden Age?

She wanted to pursue her nursing career. Signup and view all the answers

How did Frank's experience in close quarters with strangers affect him?

He felt emotionally drained from separations. Signup and view all the answers

What event reminded the children of their loneliness after a family visit?

Seeing their families interact. Signup and view all the answers

What was the atmosphere around the Golden Age during Christmas?

Somber and reflective. Signup and view all the answers

What was Frank's interest that kept him engaged during the lessons?

Contradicting the teacher. Signup and view all the answers

What unsettling event impacted the children in the hospital?

Lidja's sudden boat accident. Signup and view all the answers

Meyer reflects on his journey to the Golden Age. What does he feel about his new environment?

He feels deeply nostalgic and disconnected. Signup and view all the answers

Which quality of Elsa drew Frank to her?

Her calmness and grace. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

1953 Perth, Australia - A Polio Hospital

Frank Gold, thirteen, spends time at the Golden Age, a children's polio hospital.
The Golden Age, formerly a pub, now houses children recovering from polio.
Frank and other residents are cared for while their parents work.
Frank's life at the hospital is contrasted with his experience elsewhere.

Frank's Personal History

Frank was hospitalized at an adult hospital (IDB) prior to the Golden Age.
He developed a deeper appreciation for poetry during his time at the IDB, learning from Sullivan Backhouse.
Sullivan Backhouse, a boy Frank befriended in the IDB, died of polio.
Frank's family history is steeped in loss and trauma during the WWII period in Hungary.
Forced to hide during the fascist roundup in Hungary. Frank lived with Julia Marai, a piano teacher.
The Gold family experienced severe hardship during World War II. They faced loss of family and forced migrations.
Frank's family was impacted by the war and the trauma of displacement.

Friendships and Relationships

Frank and Elsa establish a significant friendship while at the hospital.
Elsa helps a crying baby and demonstrates a caring nature.
Frank, struggling with his own difficult situation, bonds with Elsa at the hospital.
Sister Olive Penny, a hospital head nurse, has complicated personal relationships and romantic interests.
Sister Penny's personal life is separate from the hospital's.
Margaret Briggs, Elsa's mother, visits unexpectedly.

Frank's Family Interactions

Frank's parents, Ida and Meyer Gold, visit him at the hospital.
Ida and Meyer are struggling with their own adjustment to Australian life.
Frank experiences conflicted feelings towards his parents.
Ida missed Frank but felt relieved in some ways to be alone post-war.
Meyer is deeply affected by the war's impact.
Ida plays carols on the piano at Christmas.

Hospital Events and Conflicts

A Christmas event at the Golden Age brings Frank's parents together.
Frank and Elsa are expelled from the hospital.
Incidents at the hospital are followed by an expulsion of Frank and Elsa from the Golden Age.
A therapist, Lidja, dies in a boating accident.
The Queen of England visits Perth.
Ida gives a benefit concert at the Golden Age.
A young boy runs away from the hospital and a girl is taken away by her father.
Unrest and emotional difficulties arise for the patients.

Frank and Elsa after the Hospital

Frank and Elsa maintain their connection despite their expulsion.
Frank and Elsa re-find each other after the hospital.
Frank's parents arrange for a family reconciliation with Elsa and Frank.
Frank and Elsa find comfort in each other's company.

Frank's Life Later

Frank's life after the Golden Age is filled with loneliness and isolation.
Frank moves to New York and pursues a literary career.
Elsa's son Jack visits Frank in New York.
Frank writes about his experiences in a book titled "The Golden Age."

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Description

Explore the life of thirteen-year-old Frank Gold as he navigates his time at the Golden Age, a children's polio hospital in Perth, Australia. This quiz delves into his personal history, the impact of WWII on his family, and his experiences with loss and friendship during recovery. Discover the intertwining of hardship, resilience, and the healing power of poetry.