Child's Play Past Paper 2025 4E Elect Lit PDF

Child’s Pla y Patrick Sagaram Learning Intentions Area of Study What Students Should Know What Students Should Understand What Students Should Anal...

Child’s Pla y Patrick Sagaram Learning Intentions Area of Study What Students Should Know What Students Should Understand What Students Should Analyse Character & Key characters: the narrator, Claire, the How personal trauma, like the Evaluate the relationship between Relationship boys, and Audrey and Chee Keong. miscarriage, affects relationships and the narrator and Claire and how individual psychology. their grief is conveyed through their actions and dialogue. Plot & The basic plot, including key events How the structure alternates between Analyse how the plot structure, Structure such as the boys' cruelty to the cat, the external events and internal reflection including key moments, failed real estate deal, and the to create tension and character depth. contributes to character climactic moment where the narrator development and tension. confronts the boy. Setting & The urban setting of the story and how How the urban setting contributes to Discuss how the setting reflects Atmosphere it reflects isolation and disconnection. the story's atmosphere of isolation and the emotional state of the detachment. characters and enhances the theme of isolation. Writer's Craft Important literary devices like How Patrick Sagaram uses literary Analyse the use of symbolism, & Literary symbolism (the cat), imagery, internal devices to build mood, character imagery, and internal monologue Devices monologue, and juxtaposition. development, and reinforce themes. to reveal deeper meanings and character motivations. Themes The major themes: grief and loss, How themes such as grief, isolation, Discuss how themes like grief and isolation and disconnection, moral and responsibility are developed moral responsibility are portrayed responsibility, marital strain, and through characters and plot events. and their significance in the generational gaps. characters' lives. Big Questions Narrator & Audrey & Claire Chee Keong Nature of Role of the other Relationship couple Claire Cat Why is the Role of the cat miscarriage only hinted at Narrator Boy Background & Role of the boy relationship Thematic Concerns Depressi on, Marriage Sadness Lonelines s& & s& relations Caregivin Isolation hips g Stylistic 1st Choices person Juxtaposi narrator tion Setting Present tense Setting Being able to voice Couples see and not see into homes and relationships Title Cat Significance of Motif of cat Child’s Play Characters & Relationships Flat Corridor Condo At home, HDB flat Outside HDB Flat Narrator’s Work Narrator Boy Audrey Clare Cat Chee Keong Charact ers Narrator “I keep worrying about the things I can’t control.” 0 1 01 Husband 0 2 02 Property Agent 0 3 What’s Your 03 An Individual 0 4 04 Impressio n of the Narrator?  What are your impressions of the narrator, as a husband, a property agent, The narrator is deeply troubled by his wife’s condition, and he feels lonely and as an individual in general? The narrator confronts the group of boys harassing a cat along the corridor (p. 107) He lies awake at night, "worrying about the things [that he] can't control" (p. 108) and isolated, but he remains loving and His anger about the false alarm Claire has caused quickly passes, and he reflects on how he cannot imagine what she is devoted to her—he empathises with going through; he also offers to buy food for her (p. 112) her and continues to care for her (e.g. He ensures that he does not reveal details about his wife's condition to Doris (p. 114) by offering to buy food for her, When he sees Claire stroking the cat, he takes the opportunity to feed it with the cat food he purchased (p. 116) protecting her privacy). He reflects on the private quality of marriage, reassuring himself that "i'll be okay" before allowing his tears to fall (p. 120) He pulls Claire close and runs his hand over her hair (p. 123) He is also a professional and When showing Audrey and Chee Keong the apartment, he is disrupted by Claire's call, but he tries to stay calm, and responsible housing agent who goes notices the scene at the poolside (p. 109) the extra mile to support his clients. When the viewing has to end prematurely because of Chee Keong's appointment, the narrator responds in a bright voice, and tries to show that his clients come first and that he cares (p110) He picks up the call from Audrey to arrange the second viewing (p. 115) He is perceptive about his clients’ During the viewing, he discerns that Chee Keong and Audrey have differing goals; he also speaks honestly to Audrey (pp. needs, and he is also able to speak 118 - 119) honestly to them when appropriate. He has a penchant for nostalgia, often He reminisces about the time he would swap stories with Claire, and wonders how long he will be alone with his thoughts recalling happier times in the past, (p. 112) such as with Claire. He recollects happier times with Claire, when reminded by the photos on the TV console, which document every stage of their lives (p. 114) He recalls how his father was like "when he wasn't drunk" (p. 121) He reveals his compassionate nature Despite not being "a cat person", he heads to the provision shop to purchase cat food for the cat he saved (p. 112) when he allows the boy to go and even The narrator prevents the boy (who had previously pointed his middle finger at him) from crushing the cat's head, advises him to return home. catching him by the collar and shaking him forcefully (p. 121) The narrator agrees not to call the police, and even tells the boy that "it's late" and he had"better go home" (p. 122)  Near the beginning of the story, the narrator states, “I keep worrying about the things I can’t control.” What are the things in the story that he cannot control but wishes he could? “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, The courage to change the things I can, And the wisdom to know the difference.” — Serenity Prayer “I turn my thoughts over to Although the narrator desires “Phone pressed against my ear, Despite the narrator’s intent to Claire, feeling an urge to put physical and emotional I give the impression foster an image of control, his my arm around her. Except I closeness with Claire, his everything is under control. But tension (as reflected by the know she’ll only shrug from experience tells him that her I feel an enormous lethargy phone pressed against his ear) underneath, inching away from state of depression would lead wash over me, as if my arms is evident: he cannot help but me.” (pp. 107–108) her to shun intimacy; he cannot and legs weigh hundreds of feel exhausted and drained. control her response towards pounds.” (p. 109) The image of “enormous him. lethargy” is compared to a physical weight, and suggestive of the heavy emotional baggage he carries. He cannot control the feelings he experiences due to his mental burdens. “With the property market The narrator is insistent on “If there is any order to this Given that it is suggested that slowing on the back of clinching the deal, but he is universe, I’m trying to find it. the narrator and Claire have unexpected cooling measures, unable to influence his clients I’m trying to find out why suffered the loss of a child, chances like this don’t often to purchase the property, even people get to raise kids who possibly through a failed land in my lap, I’ve got to make as he notices the signs of end up like this while Claire and pregnancy, the narrator is this happen.” (p. 109) Audrey’s gradual loss of I have nothing.” (p. 121) unable to control whether he “All this is making her lose faith interest in the apartment. His has healthy offspring and a in the apartment, I can tell.” (p. remarks reveal his growing happy family; at a deeper level, 118) awareness of her eventual lack he cannot control his own “I’m buying time, but her of interest—his observation family’s fate, or even interest is gone and we both that he is “buying time” understand the deeper know it.” (p. 119) suggests that he is unable to meaning or order of the stop the inevitable loss of his universe itself. Claire depressed 01 Encounter with Cat 02 Awareness of situation 03  What are your impressions of Claire? Claire is depressed and seems to have given up on herself at The narrator describes how he knows that Claire will only shrug first. She seems listless and emotionally vulnerable, hardly and inch away from him when sleeping next to him at night (p. caring about her physical needs, including daily routines like 108) eating and showering. Instead, by spending her time sleeping, Claire calls the narrator in the middle of a viewing, but it turns she seems to be emotionally avoidant, and intent on self- out to be a false alarm as she was anxious when he was not isolation. around at home (pp. 109 - 111) Claire declines while closing her eyes when the narrator offers to buy her food (p. 112) The narrator recalls Claire's increasing listlessness and reclusiveness at home (p. 119) However, the encounter with the cat appears to have been a Wearing fresh clothes, Claire strokes the cat in the corridor (pp. turning point, as she seems to be calmer and better able to take 115 - 116) care of herself—her choice to wear fresh clothes is hence a surprising sign to the narrator. In some ways, there seems to be parallels or correspondences The narrator asks for less rice at the cai png stall "because for between Claire and the cat: the narrator finds it hard to discern Claire, it's hard to tell if she wants anything" (p. 121) their desires and intentions. Claire also seems to be aware of her own condition and the Claire tells the narrator, as if reading his thoughts, that she just narrator’s sacrifices, as shown from the moment when she asks needs more time and asks for him to be patient with her (p. 116) for his patience. Finally, by the end of the story, Claire’s suggestion that they go Claire suggests to the narrator that they go out for a drive and out for a drive and dinner signals signs of recovery, and a dinner (pp. 122 - 123) glimmer of hope.  Narrator’s Protectiveness for Claire “In some ways this isn’t as bad The narrator’s recollection “While Doris may appear as if Self-conscious about his as the first time she called, in suggests that Claire has had she cares, she could also be “weakness”, the narrator is tears, her voice coming over prior nervous breakdowns prying. In my weakness, I must cautious and even suspicious of the line in stutters, saying she and/or anxiety attacks; that “it be careful not to go into details. his neighbour Doris’ intentions. couldn’t take it any longer. isn’t as bad” suggests that he If I leak something, all the He characterises Doris as one But, still.” (p. 109) is attempting to reassure neighbours will know because who may be “prying” due to himself. The terse phrase “But, Doris has a big mouth.” (p. her “big mouth”—he reveals still” indicates his nagging 114) his fear and apprehension worry, tension and fear about about the danger of his her emotional condition and neighbour’s possible mental well-being. meddlesome and intrusive behaviour. “I’m careful to leave out the The narrator is protective of “I want to tell her what we’re going The narrator suppresses his feelings of through, Claire and I. I want to tell tension and intense frustration, part about Doris. Claire hates it Claire, and he exhibits a keen her about the weeks after it outlining the stages of Claire’s spiral when others talk about her. It awareness of her dislikes, into depression. His repetition of the could be out of concern, but including her need for privacy. happened. How Claire began to phrase “I want to tell her” suggests a spend her days on the sofa with desire to unburden his woes and share she thinks it’s hard to tell when The narrator’s concealment of the TV going, staring into the his frustrations; similarly his concern turns to speculation.” the part about Doris also screen with those dull eyes. Then description of how he feels his “insides (p. 116) signals his desire to prevent came irregular meals, not being split apart, atom by atom” her from experiencing any showering and finally the bed, underscores the sense of pain and further distress. where she lay coiled up sleeping or torment that he experiences. His choice to “choke it down” at this point pretending to sleep. I want to say indicates his restraint; by inhibiting his all this because I feel my insides own impulses, he reveals that he being split apart, atom by atom. considers that at this point, he has to Except I don’t. I do what I’ve been keep it to himself and he cannot doing all this time, which is to confide in others just yet. choke it down.” (p. 119)  Narrator as caregiver Narrator as partner: Marriage & Claire’s comforter, depression protector Miscarriage Narrator’s grief and isolation  Marriage and Relationships “I kneel next to her, put my arm around her shoulder. I feel her relax. And I feel my tears “There’s nothing wrong with the “All I know is, any marriage except your coming so I clench my jaws. This is for better, for apartment, nothing to find fault own is one thing you’ll never know. The worse, in sickness and in health. This means loving someone no matter what. with about this place. What’s conversations, silences and moments “Just a little more time.” Claire looks up as if wrong is what each of them of doubt all happen in private, out of reading The my thoughts. narrator’s “I need yougesture, reassuring to be patient in anyone’s light but our own.” (p. 120) with me.””(p. 116) putting his arm around his wife’s By for wants pinpointing “what’s themselves.” (p. 118) the narrator’s reflection shoulder, alleviates her tension. The wrong”, the narrator reveals offers an admission of repetition of the verb “feel” also reveals his perceptiveness when he his keen perception of their physical limited knowledge—his diagnoses the root of the and emotional responses. He further problem—that the arguments observations of Audrey puts up a show of strength by clenching his jaws to prevent his tears from between Audrey and Chee and Chee Keong reveal falling. His reflections recall the words articulated in traditional marriage Keong are not really about the nature of marriage as vows, as a promise and pledge to the apartment but about their private between the honour one’s spouse whatever the differing goals and priorities. couple, which suggests circumstances, in the spirit of The narrator suggests that unconditional love, acceptance and that external observers patience. Claire’s words reveal her they have placed their own understanding and awareness of the individual desires above their are not in a position to situation, that he is shouldering shared aspirations, resulting be able to cast caretaking duties and emotional labour for her sake. in their arguments. judgement on the couple.  Audrey & Chee Keong In what ways do Audrey and Chee Keong disagree? What do their disagreements reveal to the narrator about his own marriage? 0 0 Chee Keong's eyes keep Audrey does most of shifting from his phone to the talking when first the two girls in cropped tops meeting the narrator and tiny denim shorts (p. 108) 1 2 giggling away at the table next to us" (p. 108) 0 0 The narrator's observations about Chee Keong speaks Audrey and Chee little during the first Keong's divergent aspirations (p. 118) Audrey's honest 8 3 viewing (p. 109) Chee Keong abruptly observations about how she and Chee 0 0 stating that he has to leave earlier due to Keong "bury" their the change in timing problems with distractions (p. 120) 7 4 of his appointment (p. 110) Audrey apologises for Chee Keong's argument with Audrey in the apartment, which leads the narrator to 0 0 calling late at night, while Chee Keong smokes without 6 5 intervene before it escalates (p. 118) acknowledging the narrator (p. 117) Audrey is friendly and Chee In contrast, Chee Keong is more reserved than his wife, Audrey forthright towards the and he has little interest in the property—he seems to be reluctant about the viewing—also there seems to be narrator, and her honesty also takes the narrator by surprise. Keong something shifty about him, like when his eyes shift from his phone to the two girls in cropped tops. His interactions with his wife are also rather antagonistic.  To what extent is Audrey & Chee Keong Happy? “Sure or not?” he asks. “Won’t By depicting the couple’s “Maybe what Audrey wants The narrator perceives that topple?” disagreements about the isn’t just the apartment, maybe Audrey and Chee Keong have She says, “It won’t. You’re apartment, the writer it’s what every other girl has in differing goals—while Audrey being paranoid.” foregrounds their tension and her circle. And maybe Chee could be seeking social He gives her a cutting stare. antagonism. While Chee Keong Keong wants the way things acceptance in her peer group, The kind you give when you’re expresses doubt, Audrey are, and not to worry about Chee Keong may wish to avoid being put down in front of adopts an accusatory stance, another mortgage, not to think financial burdens—which others.” (p. 118) which in turn triggers her about money. I can picture explains their differences of husband’s resentment—which them fighting over the smallest opinion about the apartment. is intense even though it is things.” (p. 119) The repetition of “maybe” expressed nonverbally. suggests the narrator’s speculation. Nonetheless, the extent of the couple’s differences is large enough for the narrator to visualise their conflicts. ““Chee Keong doesn’t like The dialogue suggests that it is Chee “Her world is just as scary and The narrator’s pensive observations Keong who does not want to have complicated as mine. So I decide while sitting in his car suggest that his kids.” children, whereas Audrey’s reticence to say what’s on my mind … observations of Audrey and Chee “And you? Do you?” and hesitation suggests that she Keong have prompted his deep She doesn’t say anything at After saying goodbye to Audrey either does or she is ambivalent reflections about marriage. His and Chee Keong, I sit in my car observations of “spots of dried first. Then, “I don’t know. about it. The admission “We bury it staring at the windscreen, at spots raindrops and dead leaves”, which may Maybe.” … with distractions” indicates how of dried raindrops and dead represent the passing of time, indicate Audrey says, “Chee Keong and I Audrey and Chee Keong have leaves. I think about them, a a wistfulness on his part. The narrator have our problems. But we hide avoided confronting their differences, is led to become bolder and more with the house as a diversion. Her young couple finding their place in it with work. We bury it with the world.” honest in reflecting on how private, blunt honesty about her marital mysterious and vulnerable a marriage distractions. This place is my problems also encourages the (p. 120) can be—and how it takes love and distraction.”” (p. 120) narrator to reflect on his own patience to sustain such a relationship The Neighbour Boy Why is the narrator angry with the neighbour boy in the last scene outside his flat? The neighbour boy and his other group members are bullying the cat—their animal abuse is clearly outrageous—only the narrator’s quick response saves the poor cat. Their rudeness to the narrator only adds insult to injury—the neighbour boy’s impertinence shows his impudent and brazen attitude. The boy’s near-assault of the cat also exposes a violent streak, fortunately stopped by the narrator. The narrator’s anger with the neighbour boy can be explained with reference to his description of the boy’s actions. Also consider the narrator’s own past, and how his past experiences have influenced his perception of the boy. Analyse the evidence from the narrator’s descriptions: Why is the narrator angry with the neighbour boy in the last scene outside his flat? Evidence AnalysisThe neighbour boy’s callousness and “He’s got both hands on the ledge, cruelty towards the cat is evident from the one foot flattening the tail of boy’s actions, vividly described by the narrator—who has arrived just in time to another cat. His other leg is in mid- x a air about to bring it down to crush - a witness his brutal and inhumane behaviour. The description of the boy’s gaze as its head. And his face, an obscene, “obscene [and] satisfied” suggests that he satisfied gaze.” (p. 121) perversely takes pleasure in the suffering of the animal. “I take him by his arms, squeezing The narrator’s forceful actions reveal that his anger is not only directed at the boy but also at until he flinches. Then I shake him the universe itself on an existential level—in forcefully. If there is any order to this terms of how to come to terms with the x b universe, I’m trying to find it. I’m - b fundamental injustice of a world that allows malicious acts to take place, and in which good trying to find out why people get to people suffer. The narrator’s repetition of “trying raise kids who end up like this while to find” suggests his valiant attempt to seek Claire and I have nothing.” (p. 121) meaning in a universe that makes little sense. “For reasons I can’t explain, I recall the way The narrator’s recollection suggests that his my father was when he wasn’t drunk. father was an alcoholic, and that there are Those times he took me to the playground parallels between the narrator’s shaking/spinning opposite our home and put me on the of the boy and the narrator being spun around on x c merry-go-round and made it turn so fast my vision swam diagonally. All the while he - c the playground merry-go-round. It is almost as if such memories have arisen from the recesses of his unconscious, and in correcting the boy by would call my name affectionately, preventing his further mischief, there is a sense in laughing … I became less afraid and more which the narrator has become almost like a hopeful about the future.” (p. 121) guardian/parental figure. Settin g & atmosphere HDB flat * HDB corridor * Luxury condo  Setting & Atmosphere HDB Flat Condo Somewhere in the room, a two-bedroom apartment there’s a gurgle from the pipes. along a quiet stretch of Upper A house lizard Thomson Road. The entire peels out a few clicks. (p107) property has a relaxed feel with In the living room the TV is its cool lawns and swaying going, sounds padding the palm trees (p108) silence. (p112) Residents lazing by the pool, working out at the gym or squaring off on tennis courts. The 15-minute drive to Orchard Corridor Road. (p110) Upstairs, I hear muffled sounds of television leaking from behind locked doors. The afternoon heat has been replaced by the evening breeze. (p121)  Setting & Atmosphere HDB Flat Condo The sounds of gurgling in the pipes The atmosphere of the and the clicking of house lizards condominium is calm, idyllic suggest that the flat is probably ageing and may not be well-kept or and leisurely, resembling that cleaned regularly. The description of of a holiday resort, with its the TV sounds “padding the silence” “cool lawns” and amenities like indicate that it is merely superfluous, the pool, gym and tennis courts and the room still evokes a sense of indicating wealth and luxury— emptiness and vacantness, revealing the narrator’s loneliness. the contrast between the affluence of the condominium and the stark austerity of the Corridor narrator’s HDB flat is evident. The HDB corridor appears to segregate and isolate residents, who live near one another and yet they are apart, with their doors locked. There is a muted, almost stifling atmosphere, not just due to the heat (only alleviated somewhat by the breeze) but also the sense of isolation.  Plot & Structure Moment The boys Moment Claire seems Cor HDB 1 tressorising a cat 5 better with the cat Moment Moment The second Showing the flat Con showing: the Con 2 6 tension cracks Moment Alone at home, HDB Moment 3 with Claire Narrator cries Car 7 Moment Neighbour Evening activities Moment The boy tressorise 4 hood Cor 8 another cat Moment Hope for change HDB 9  Plot & Structure How does Sagaram make this a Compelling Theareatning and ominous Use of light Introduction? ALONG THE CORRIDOR, a group of boys are doing something to a cat. I opening hear a cry, a pitiful mew. I pull back the curtains, slide a window open and stick my head outside. There are three, no, four of them, crouched in a Disturbing violence and Use of sound circle under the flicker of fluorescent lights. cruelty They can’t be older than 11 or 12. I see one of them pick up the cat by its front paws, holding it like a wobbling toddler. He lifts it in the air Relief for the cat’s Escape Introduction to characters: and as he’s about to send it over the ledge, I shout at him to stop. narrator, Claire Startled, he and his friends turn in my direction. I see the cat leap from the boy’s hands and land on its feet, escaping. Fear for the narrator’s well- Introduction to estranged I threaten to call the police, but the boys tell me to mind my own Being relationship between husband business. One of them sticks out his middle finger at me. I resist the and wife temptation to say something in return because there’s no telling what I might do after that. Not wanting to worsen the situation, I retreat inside Anxiety only intensified by Comparison between cat and my flat. withdrawn wife, relationship child where they appear the be In the bedroom, my wife stirs. alienated from each other “It’s those boys again,” I say, meaning to tell her what almost happened. Only there’s no point in saying anything. Claire wants me to Concern or curiosity for the Thematic concerns: marriage, think she’s asleep, so I do. Lifting the covers gently, I lie next to her. narrator’s worries and things control Somewhere in the room, there’s a gurgle from the pipes. A house he cannot control lizard peels out a few clicks. I turn my thoughts over to Claire, feeling an urge to put my arm around her. Except I know she’ll only shrug from All this is certainly not child’s The separation of underneath, inching away from me. I touch her shoulder, but she doesn’t play — children are violent, space:public corridor, private move. She keeps her back towards me. So I roll off, clasp my hands relating with people is difficult bedroom behind my head and stare at the ceiling. be they children or family It will be hours before sleep comes, but until my brain caves to the Effective Opening How does Sangaram make the opening to the story so effective? Immediate Tension and Conflict Introduction of Key Themes: Isolation, Helplessness, and Disconnection Characterisation of the Narrator as a sensitive and introspective Establishment of Tone and Atmosphere as one of tension, unease, and emotional distance as well as Foreshadowing Effective Ending How does Sangaram make the ending to the story so effective? Shift from Emotional Distance to Intimacy A Moment of Hope Without Resolution Tone of Emotional Fragility and Cautious Optimism Symbolism of the Drive and Dinner of their relationship beginning to move forward Significance of Title a d Literal: boys playing Idiomatic: nothing in with a cat the story is child’s play — easy b e Ironic: the play with Alludes to the narrator the cat is not play but and Claire’s loss of the torture Child’s Play child c f Literal: Narrator’s Ironic: there are no idyllic play as a child children playing in this with his father story  “But this one is different. He looks The Cat “Turning around, I spot the cat from the other day, the one the boys nearly sent flying to its death. In the soft evening 0 too well-fed to be a stray. He reminds me of a lion cub. He moves like a ray of sunshine.” (p. 113) Overwriting his initial prejudice 3 light, I get a better look at the tabby— towards cats, the narrator 0 stripy orange coat, pinkish nose. He purrs, rubbing his head and body establishes the contrast between against my leg. I kneel to scratch his this cat and others, with the head. Again, he purrs.” (p. 112) comparison to a “lion cub” suggesting that it is graceful, In this serendipitous encounter, the 1 elegant, dignified and inducing an narrator experiences a moment of closeness with the cat. In the depiction uplifting effect—like ““What are “a youray of I say, then I see doing?” 0 of the “soft evening light” that shines on sunshine”—that brings her with hope the cat fromin the yesterday. It sits upright, head erect, paws tucked midst of gloom. the tabby, described in detail with underneath. Claire strokes it with the reference to visual markers like its back of her hand.” (p. 116) “stripy orange coat, pinkish nose”, the writer highlights the narrator’s The narrator expresses surprise and 4 mindfulness and attentiveness to the curiosity about Claire’s encounter feline (referred to as ‘he’ —the pronoun suggests that it is almost a personal with the cat—its posture suggests relationship). attentiveness. Claire’s gesture of “AsThere a boyisI almost a kind was hissed at,ofthen stroking it also reveals her capacity 0 reciprocity: as the scratched by narrator rubs and one belonging to my kneels to scratch neighbour. Thathim, waslikewise enough the cat my to seal “The cat finishesfor thecare andoftenderness. last bits food, licks its purrs in response, impression of them as if in gratitude. forever. Cats are too tongue and looks up at Claire. She shrugs, 0 moody, too erratic. And you can never lifting both hands outward as if to indicate tell what’s going on behind those shiny there’s nothing left. I see her smile. With a swish of its tail, the cat turns and dashes 2 eyes.” (pp. 112–113) down the corridor.” (p. 116) The narrator recollects his childhood The writer depicts the cat as expressing 5 memory of cats as temperamental and emotionally volatile, which has its satisfaction after being fed, by licking sealed his views of them. The its tongue, and seemingly capable of comment “you can never tell what’s understanding Claire’s gesture (and going on behind those shiny eyes” hence departing after she shrugs). suggests the mysterious and Claire’s smile also indicates that she is inscrutable quality of cats, as well heartened and comforted by the as the narrator’s usual encounter. Children  How we Live Now Child’s Play Essay Questions Character Theme Style How does Sagaram 01 How far does Sagaram How does Sagaram make make the HDB flat an encourage you to admire the title, Child’s Play so important feature of the narrator? appropriate to the story? Child’s Play? In what ways does Sagaram How does Sagaram make 02 explore the idea of marriage and How does Sagaram the relationship between relationships in this story? / Explore the ways in which make Child’s Play such the narrator and Claire so Sagaram strikingly portrays a touching story? striking? married couples in Child’s Play. How does Sagaram make In what ways does In what ways does 03 you feel sympathy for either the narrator or Claire? Sagaram vividly show the effects of loss on the characters in the story? Sagaram make cats so important in Child’s Play? How does Sagaram make How does Sagaram vividly In what ways does 04 Audrey and Chee Keong such a significant couple in Child’s Play? show the struggle to control the events of life in Child’s Play? Sagaram make children so significant in Child’s Play?