Essay Questions

Is James depicted as an avaricious individual who prioritizes his personal interests?

James is Polly's son, the destined heir of his mother's shares in the Point. When James learns that his mother and Agnes are about to donate the Point to the Land Trust, he disagrees because he knows he will lose. However, the objective of the Point is to preserve the environment, and the best-suited custody of it is the Land Trust. However, James is greedy, and he cooperates with Archie and his wife to propose the sell the Point so that they can share the proceeds.

Why is Agnes proposing to Polly that they donate the Point to the Land Trust?

Agnes realizes her days on earth are reducing significantly because she suffers from incurable cancer. However, she has a significant share of the Point she owns with Polly. Therefore, before she dies, she thinks of the future of the Point. Agnes requests Polly that the best decision is to donate the Point to the Land Trust, which will ensure environmental conservation and the ecosystem is preserved.

How does Archie’s wife influence him regarding the issue of the Point?

Archie's wife is described as the adversary of progress, a woman who is self-centered and gluttonous. Archie is a partner in the Point and is consulted by Agnes and Polly concerning its future. When Archie returns home and shares with his wife about his decision with his partners regarding the Point, she reacts ferociously. According to Archie's wife, the Point must be sold, and they share the profits. The woman is money-oriented and does not care about environmental conservation.