The Silent Boy

How are gender roles portrayed in The Silent Boy? Is there a difference in gender roles based on class, or are all boys and girls subjected to the same standards?

What is it about Katy and Jacob’s friendship that leaves her feeling so haunted? Why does he make such an impression on her?

How does Lowry’s use of a young narrator, Katy, affect your reading of this tale? How might the story be different if told by an adult narrator?

How does Katy’s father, Dr. Thatcher, compare with other adults portrayed in the novel? How does his character impact Katy’s development and sense of self?

How and where does the author utilize foreshadowing to create a specific tone in the novel? What moods does the author set with the use of foreshadowing?

How does the author’s use of photographs affect and interact with the narrative? Do you see examples in the text where the author uses photography as a literary device? How does this shape the novel?

Peggy and Nell Stoltz are sisters who are far from similar. Compare the two girls. Analyze their character development throughout the novel. How do their characters reflect the novel’s dominant themes?

The Silent Boy refers to many historical events, such as the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and World War I. Choose one of the mentioned historical events and analyze its impact on the novel, focusing on how it is presented and who seems most affected.