Essay Questions

Why are George and Ruth showing up at Clay and Amanda's vacation house at night on their first night?

Clay and Amanda, with their two kids, have gone for a weeklong vacation on an island and rented a remote luxurious Airbnb. After arriving, the family inspects the house and settles down, ready to enjoy their holiday. At night, George and Ruth show up, identifying themselves as the house owners. George and Ruth have rushed here to escape the blackout that has covered the entire city, and they are scared of driving to their home. They explain to Clay and Amanda why they are there and request to spend the night with them until the next day. Amanda does not believe their story at first, but Clay accepts them. On the following day, Amanda is convinced that George and Ruth have good intentions, and they tell them the truth about the blackout.

How does the author use imagery to show readers a sense of sight?

Throughout the novel, the author creates images to enable readers to see what is happening in the novel. For instance, the sense of sight is depicted when the narrator describes the deer seen by Rose running in various directions outside their vacation home. The description of the Airbnb house with its amenities also paints a picture of the luxurious vacation destination Clay and his family is spending their time. Similarly, sight imagery is prevalent when a flock of wild flamingos comes into view on the lawn. Therefore, in several incidents, the narrator uses sight imagery to help readers see how the novel's events unfold.

What mysterious events take place in the family’s vacation house?

Clay and Amanda, with their children, are looking forward to having a good time and enjoying their stay in the island's vacation house. However, their stay turns out to be tragic because of the strange things that start to unfold. Firstly, the couple who owns the rental house arrives at night to stay with them, which brings some discomfort because Amanda is not happy with the couple's presence. Secondly, the house has no internet services because of the city's massive blackout on the east coast. Thirdly, Rose gets lost in the woods, and the family is in a panic, trying to look for her. Making matters worse, Archie starts to experience a strange disease, and his four teeth start falling out. Clay does not comprehend what is happening, but he remains strong to face the situation as it unfolds.