Essay Questions

What is the main theme in the book ‘The Secret Keeper’ by Morton?

As depicted in the characters' behaviors, mental illness emerges as the main theme in the entire text, Dorothy and Vivien. These two characters are insane because they cannot contain the idea that they lost their loved ones in the bombing that claimed several lives. Consequently, mental illness results from the trauma these characters witnessed and experienced during the war.

What does Dorothy mean when she says, “Love, Laurel, that’s the only reason to get married. For love.”

According to Dorothy, the success and happiness of any marriage are based on true love. Therefore, Dorothy reminds her daughter that she should never get married for any other reason except true love. Laurel recalls how her parents could dance and love together when alone, which signifies that they truly loved each other.

How does the author depict the sense touch to readers?

Most sections of the book depict sorrow and grief as a result of the endless war. The reader understands that war is an awful thing because it destroys property and loss of lives. Vivien and Dorothy are grieving their loved ones who did bombings. Therefore, readers can feel the grief and trauma that Vivien, Dorothy, and other characters are going through due to war.