The Fifth Child

Students discussed some of the following questions from the first half of the novel: 1. Sum up the story David tells and its possible significance. (43) 2. “No, he couldn’t see it. Rather, he wouldn’t – that was the point. Not only he, but all of them, they wouldn’t see how different this was.” Who are “they” and what is it they won’t see? What reasons for this blindness can you suggest? (47-8) 3. Give an account of Harriet’s first impression of and reaction to the new baby. (48) 4. “Neanderthal baby” – “...the genes have come up with something special this time.”- “What is he?” How do Dorothy, Alice, and David react to Harriet’s question, and to Ben in general? –What do you think he is? (53) 5. How does Harriet behave at Dr. Brett’s? Why? (54) 6. Comment on Dr. Brett’s reaction. (58) 7. Sum up the incident when Paul’s arm is sprained. What is your reaction? (63) Students are to finish the novel by Monday and complete the following questions: The Fifth Child Final questions-Due Monday 10/28 1. Comment on Dr. Brett’s reaction to Ben. 2. Explain what Dorothy is trying to say on pp.69-70. 3. What does the narrator tell us about the distinction between the world of children and grown-ups? Do you agree? May this scene be interpreted in symbolic terms? 4. Comment on Harriet’s behavior on pp. 76-78. 5. Make a list of arguments for and against taking Ben home. 6. How does the family react to Harriet bringing Ben home? 7. Pick out sentences describing Ben during the time of his “re-education ”. How do they make you feel about Ben? 8. Give an account of how the school copes with Ben. 9. What do you think of the way Harriet copes with Ben on p.101? 10. In what way have David and Harriet changed?