Pages 41-52
Discussion Questions:
1. What sort of long-lasting impression does dawn on the beach create for Gene? Why does Gene think of Lazarus (not Biblical allusion)?
2. Is it Finny’s fault that Gene flunked the test? How does he feel about flunking? Can you relate to his feelings?
3. What suspicions does Gene develop about Finny? Why do these suspicions make Gene feel better?
4. What happens to Gene’s grades after he flunks the test? Do you think Gene would have become such a “good student” if he hadn’t been so angry at Finny? How is Gene like Chet? How is he different?
5. Why does Finny tell Gene to stop studying for his French exam?
6. How does Finny react when Gene finally asserts himself and says that he needs to study? Do you think Finny should have realized how angry with him Gene has been all these weeks?
7. Is Gene relieved to find out that Finny isn’t guilty of treachery---that he really wants Gene to do well?
8. Why does Finny want Gene to jump with him? How is that ironic?
9. Why does Finny fall? Can you explain Gene’s actions?
10. Gene says “my knees bent.” Why do you suppose he doesn’t say, “I bent my knees”?
PREDICTION: What are some possible results of this “ accident”? Will anyone find out that it wasn’t truly an accident?
Writing
Activities:
· Create Finny and Gene’s most recent report cards. Be sure to include subjects, letter grades, and teacher comments. Include a section on citizenship/behavior.
· The author describes Chet as “weakened by the very genuineness of his interest in learning.” Is there a difference between learning for the sake of learning and doing what needs to be done to get top grades? In the long run, which type of students do you think comes closest to meeting the true goals of education?
Pages 53-63
Discussion
Questions:
1. What effect does Finny’s injury have on Gene? On the other students? On the teachers?
2. Why does Gene put on Finny’s clothes? How does he feel in them? Have you ever experienced anything like that?
3. How bad is Finny’s injury? How does Finny take the news?
4. Finny hasn’t told anyone about Gene’s role in the accident. What is Gene’s guess as to why not? What do you think is the reason?
5. Finny asks to see Gene. What is Gene’s guess as to why? What is the actual reason?
6. Why does Finny apologize to Gene? Do you agree with Finny’s new “commandment”
7. Why do you think Gene decides to tell Finny the truth? Do you think that is the right decision? Why doesn’t he follow through, on the first visit to the infirmary? How do you think Finny would have reacted if he had?
8. What can you tell about Finny’s family background from his home?
9. How does Finny react when Gene admits that he caused the accident? Is Gene being selfish – or virtuous—by telling the truth? Why doesn’t he “take it back” when he sees Finny’s reaction?
10. As Gene hurries to get to the station, Finny says, “You aren’t going to start living by the rules, are you?” Gene says no, but “that was the biggest lie of them all.” What does that mean to you?
PREDICTION: Will Finny finally believe and blame Gene? How fully will Finny recover?
Writing
Activity:
