Essay Questions

How best can you describe Marcus, and what is his significance in the novel's plot?

Marcus is a rich kid, and the worst bully Cam has ever met. Marcus' parents are wealthy, and they can afford him anything he wants. Most children in the novel call Marcus a bad boy because of his weird character and obsession of mistreating poor kids. Marcus plays a vital role in the novel's plot because he symbolizes oppression. Marcus represents the wealthy people in society who take advantage of their resources and influence to steal from the poor. For instance, Marcus believes he can take anything from weak and poor kids. When Marcus discovers Cam has a magical cardboard, he steals it. Marcus knows Cam is a weak boy who can do nothing to him.

How does Doug TenNapel explore the theme of unemployment in the novel Cardboard?

Cam and his father, Mike, live in a humble house, and do not have access to luxuries. Mike is a widower and does manual jobs that do not pay him adequately to cater his family's needs. The theme of poverty emerges when Mike struggles to buy his son the cheapest birthday gift. The father realizes he only has $78, which is inadequate to pay rent and buy food. The father finds himself in a tight situation on whether to sacrifice the $78 to buy his son a gift or purchase food. However, the father uses the $78 to buy his son the cheapest birthday gift.

What is the symbolic meaning of the cardboard Cam receives as a birthday gift from his father?

The cardboard Cam receives from his father as a birthday gift symbolizes love. The father buys the cardboard from the toyshop to gift his son. When Cam gets the cardboard, he makes a boxer from it with his father, which shows a strong bond and love. Since the death of Cam's mother, his father always does his best to be at home and help him do his homework, and encouraging him to be optimistic for a better future.