How might the story have changed if Jack McClelland had no agreed to go on the journey with Mowat? Do you think Mowat would have gone anyway? If so, how could he manage alone?

Mowat faced his first real interaction with Newfoundlanders when he met the Hallohans. Why do you think the brothers took advantage of Mowat? Did Mowat consider them to be brigands? Why did Mowat go through with the deal?

Discuss the attitude of the people at Muddy Hole as it applies to Mowat and McClelland. How did things change over the first months?

Why do you think the merchants in St. John's acted the way they did toward customers? Do you think the behavior was reserved for outsiders or anyone who approached them? How could the stores stay open without income?

Blanche, the dog with a pure soul, is an interesting...