Essay Questions

How does the author explore the theme of respect vs. autonomy?

In the book's first sections, the narrator repeatedly says that children and animals are required to respect adults and always follow orders. However, the narrator is uncomfortable when the children are equated to animals, but he has no option but to be obedient. The autonomy of the children is depicted when they decide to explore the reservoir, which they are forbidden from coming closer to. Consequently, the children's autonomy is part of their growing up because they must understand their environment.

What is the symbolic meaning of the reservoir?

The reservoir is a symbol of exploration and transformation. The children are forbidden from visiting the reservoir by their parents because it is suspicious. However, the narrator and other children become rebellious and disobey their parents because they want to explore what is there. Consequently, the children see the activity as an adventure that transforms their life because they discover new things like civilization. By disobeying their parents to go to restricted destinations, the children are transforming into adults because they are starting to make independent decisions.

Is the author depicting parents as rigid?

Parents fear the reservoir because it uses new technology to pump water. The parents do not know technology and think it has been brought to harm them. Therefore, the parents are restricting their children from moving closer to the reservoir because it might be a sign of bad lack. The parents' distrust of the new technology in the reservoir illustrates their rigidity in accepting civilization. However, children are flexible because they break the rules and decide to visit the reservoir to explore what is there.