Essay Questions

What happens to Alfie?

Alfie is initially in Mrs Silver’s care but as Mr Hoppy’s deception takes place, he is replaced by other tortoises of an increasing weight. Eventually, in all the confusion of all the tortoises, Alfie is taken to the pet store where he is adopted by a young girl.

How are Mr Hoppy’s actions presented?

Mr Hoppy is a shy man by nature, but he comes up with an ingenious plan to gain Mrs Silver’s favor. Indeed, it is later shocking to the reader that the gentle Mr Hoppy will go to such lengths to sneak into Mrs Silver’s house. He is therefore a lot more imaginative and braver than one would expect.

How is Mrs Silver presented?

Mrs Silver is portrayed as a gentle lady who is friendly with Mr Hoppy, though does not think much of him in a romantic sense. She is a little dim0witted in that she believes that it is magic making Alfie grow bigger. Indeed, she does not suspect a thing throughout the story, and is so indebted to him, she marries him.