Professional Documents
Culture Documents
THEMES
THE CHALENGGES OF GROWING UP
Richard has problems fitting in with society. He
likes to be alone and daydream rather than
play games.
Richard had little chances of communicating
with Pa who is often silent and reserved.
Besides that, the talented and perceptive
Richard has doubts about his hidden poetic
talent. It makes him and oddball who feels
alone even when Im around other people
(p.27).
Another challenge faced by Richard is his
relationship with Hannah, which cause him to
be taunted as a Hun Lover.
PREJUDICE AND DISCRIMINATION
After America goes to war against the Germans,
a majority of the community in Turtle Lake are
unable to accept the Schermers living in the
neighbourhood.
Their tavern is vandalized by the locals and
Hannah is bullied and ridiculed in school.
LOVE, UNDERSTANDING AND FAMILY
RELATIONSHIPS
Though often taken for granted by Pa and Gus,
Angie proves to be the heart of the family
loving, compassionate and non-judgemental.
Richard is able to find some comfort and
safety with Angie in the kitchen whenever he
feels left out by Pa and Gus (p.16).
After Richards poetic tribute to Kilmer is
published in the local paper. Pa relates A
world is gone! to when Roland was killed in
the Cuban War.
The Schermers family, in contrast, is a more
balanced and happy one. There is joy,
laughter, communication, music, singing,
books, and literature in their home. Richard
finds their home and oasis after the silence
of his own family.
PATRIOTISM