Essay Questions

Describe instances of desperation and its effects as shown in the novel.

In the novel, many characters are desperate and depressed because of various events that occurred in their lives. Autumn was desperate to get out of Opportunity to get way from her abusive father. Tyler was desperate because of the death of his mother and he wanted to avenge her. Sylv was desperate to leave Opportunity because she wanted to get away from all the sadness that was around her since her mother was ill.

These characters dealt with their desperation differently. Autumn focused on her dancing and practiced often in order to be admitted to a prestigious dance school away from Opportunity. Sylv applied to colleges and got admitted to a university. Tyler's desperation caused him to kill thirty nine students at Opportunity High school.

Describe various friendships in the novel and their importance to the characters.

In the novel, various characters are very good friends and their relationships build them. Examples of positive relationships in the novel are the friendship of Autumn and Sylv, Claire and Chris and Tomas and Fareed. These characters build each other, console each other and encourage each other through difficult times.

Tomas and Fareed were very good friends. Fareed helped Tomas free students in the auditorium where Tyler was murdering people. They worked together and managed to open the doors of the auditorium and help students escape. Autumn and Sylv encouraged each other. Sylv encouraged Autumn to practice dancing whereas Autumn encouraged Sylv to be strong despite her mother's illness. Claire and Chris were both in the school's track team. They encouraged each other during practice.

Describe the dreams and hopes that various characters had of their life.

Most characters in the novel are seniors at Opportunity High School. They therefore had aspirations for the future. Autumn wanted to attend a prestigious dance school and become a good dancer as her mother had been. Sylv aspired to go to college and help build her family. Tyler aspired to having a future with his ex girlfriend Claire whereas Claire aspired to be as successful as her sister Tracy who was in the army.

The school encouraged the students to aspire to being better than their current situations. The characters worked towards their dreams. For example Autumn regularly practiced for her audition at a dance school. Sylv studied hard and was very brilliant which enabled her get admission to university.