Essay Questions

What is the author trying to reveal when writing that Paddy was moved to the row of 'smart' students after showing significant improvement in his grades?

Ironically, teachers in most learning institutions discriminate against students based on their performance in school. The disturbing revelation in Paddy's school is that smart students sit in different rows while the students considered as stupid or below average are segregated. The practice of grouping students based on performance in school is evil and immoral. Students categorized as below average are not motivated to work hard because they already believe that they are failures. Paddy was earlier considered a low performing student. Still, he disapproved of teachers when he concentrated on school work and improved his grades prompting the administration to move him to the row of 'smart' students.

How is fraternal enmity one of the central themes?

Both Paddy and his brother Francis are always competing to prove who is better and loved by parents and friends. Paddy thinks that Francis denies him an opportunity to enjoy life maximumly, and he wishes that he were the only child. However, throughout the text, the reader comprehends that Paddy is a good boy except for being part of the boys' bad company. The competition between these two brothers is immature because they are still young and do not understand each other well.

What is the image depicted by Paddy's parents in their endless quarrels?

Paddy's parents are painting a bad picture to their two sons, who are looking up to them as role models. These parents argue and fight shamelessly in front of Paddy, not knowing that they are setting a bad example for their children. Paddy tries to intervene and made a further step of involving his brother to stop their parents from fighting but in vain. Francis gave up on their parents and said nothing he could do to stop the fighting. Similarly, when Paddy saw his father beating his mother, he decided to leave them and mind his business.