“The Body” by Stephen King.

Chapters 1–7 (p293-326)

1. The opening sentence of the book is: ‘The most important things are the hardest things to say.’ Is this
the same for children and for adults?

2. What kind of relationship does each of the boys have with his family?

Character Relationship with Specific Evidence (what Effect on behaviour

family happens?)
Gordie

Chris

Vern

Teddy
“The Body” by Stephen King.
Chapters 8–13 (p326-354)
1. Explain the significance of ‘that moment’ described on page 332, when the writer (Gordie) is standing
on the bank looking down at the railway track. Is there something symbolic here?

2. What does Gordie say that Teddy’s crazy (pg.337)? What examples have we seen of Teddy’s
eccentric behaviour so far?

3. What is the significance of Chris’ dream (338)?

4. What’s a goocher? Why is it significant? What might it foreshadow (340)?

6. What is ironic about Teddy’s emotional reaction to his altercation with Milo (350+)?
“The Body” by Stephen King.

Chapters 14–19 (p354-392)

1. The experience on the bridge is a terrifying moment (358). Describe your own most terrifying
moment.

2. Chris was beaten very hard by his father about some milk-money. What happened exactly?

3. Gordie’s exchange with the shopkeer (343), Teddy’s interaction with Milo (346), and Chris’
explanation of what happened to the milk money (382) reveal dark things about the hypocrisy of some
adults. Explain how this is true.

4. What does Gordie think about Ray Brower (384-387)?

“The Body” by Stephen King.
Chapters 20- 26 (p392- 414)
1. Write about Gordie’s encounter with the deer. Why is he “struck” by this encounter? Does this reveal
anything about him?

2. What do we learn about his adult life? (398)

3. Describe the boys’ reaction when they find Ray Brower’s body. What does Gordie think about? (406-409)

4. How would you evaluate the way Chris settles the conflict at the end of Ch. 26?
 “The Body” by Stephen King.
Chapters 27-34 (p414-436)

1. Why does Chris change his mind about taking the body back?

2. Do the boys’ parents find out where they’ve been? Why? What does this say about parents’
understanding of a kids’ life? Is this a familiar concept in your life? Are your parents’ eyes open? (427)

3. Are the boys friends for life? What is the fate of each of the boys? (432)