Essay Questions

Why is Adam leaving his full-time career to become a stay-at-home dad?

Adam is a loving and dedicated father who is always concerned about his children, especially Eugene, who is autistic. When Adam discovers that his wife is busy in his teaching profession, he decides to quit his job so that he becomes Eugene's primary caregiver. Consequently, Adam's decision to quit his job to become a stay-at-home dad is an act of love towards his disabled son, who needs his attention and care.

What is the primary theme in the novel Happiness Falls by Angie Kim?

The primary theme in the novel is love. When Mia discovers her father is missing, she mobilizes other family members and involves the authorities to help trace his whereabouts. The other incident in the novel that illustrates love is the decision of Adam to spend his time with his disabled boy, Eugene. The members of the Parksons family live in harmony, and they love each other because they always unite to tackle challenges that affect their lives.

How does the knapsack the investigators find in Parksons' home aid them?

The abrupt disappearance of Adam from his home becomes a mystery because no one in the family ever thought that their father would go missing one day. When the investigators come to Parksons' home, they find a knapsack that contains Adam's notes and other scientific materials. The notes and the scientific materials help the investigators discover that Adam has been conducting happiness experiments on his family. Towards the end, the investigators conclude that Adam disappeared to seek happiness elsewhere.