Topic 1

Discuss the circumstances that led Will to Mr. Tom. Why is Mr. Tom chosen as Will’s guardian? What character traits define Mr. Tom? Does his character evolve over the course of the story? Compare and contrast Mr. Tom with Will’s mother.

Topic 2

Evaluate William’s friendship with Zach. What events brought the two boys together? What roles do the boys play in their friendship? Compare Zach to William. How do their differences compliment their relationship?

Topic 3

Compare Zach and William to the village children i.e. George Fletcher, Carrie and Ginnie Thatcher, Lucy. What do they teach each other in regard to friendship? Do you think they would have ever become friends if George’s mother hadn’t pushed him to befriend William?

Topic 4

How does the war affect the daily lives of Little Weirwold? How would the plot have changed if a war...