Chapter summary - group answers

Chapter summary

Read each chapter carefully then answer the questions that follow:

CHAPTER 1

1. What kind of story do you think Ellie is going to tell?

A diary to tell people what they went through

2. What clues in the text have led you to this?

“No one knowing the risks we’ve run.” – Ellie

“This makes me think I should be writing a history book.”

3. Why do you think it will be difficult for her to tell this story?

She doesn’t want to remember what she and the others went through

4. What kinds of emotions or feelings do you think might “get in the way”?

Sadness, frustration, anger, fear, anxiety, disappointment or shame in the things they have done,

CHAPTER 2

1. What are the two special events happening the day after the teenagers leave for the bush?

Commemoration Day and The Show

2. Who is the hermit and what is he supposed to have done?

A man who supposedly murdered his family. He disappeared and went to Hell.

3. Do you think the hermit will be significant to this story? Why, why not?

Yes. The author mentioning him early on foreshadows he will have something to do with the story.

CHAPTER 3

1. Who does Robyn think are the only people ever to have gone into Hell?

Them and the hermit

2. Why does she think this?

Because the entrance to Hell is difficult – “Why would the early explorers or settlers have bothered.”

3. Why do you think the valley is called Hell?

The harsh and treacherous terrain. It is so far down. Isolated/remote.

4. What picture of Kevin do we get in this chapter?

Unkind and insensitive. Quite motivated, cocky and arrogant.

Ellie doubted how sensitive he was. “You can never cure Kevin of his bad habit of breaking branches off trees.”

5. What does Ellie liken Fi to?

“an exotic butterfly.”

6. Why must the teenagers seem like visitors from hell to the wild things living in the clearing? How is this ironic?

The wild things see them as hunters and as threatening. Ironic- humans called the place hell but they are the ones bringing ‘hell’ to a quiet place.

CHAPTER 4

1. What was especially peculiar about the planes that flew over Hell?

The lights were off, there was lots them (6 groups), smelt of jet fuel

2. What do you think might be the significance of this?

Suspicious, maybe had something to do with the parade.

3. Why do you think the planes were flying over Wirrawee?

For the show or possible invasion (based on the name of the book), maybe military exercises

CHAPTER 5

1. Why do you think Ellie and Lee feel uneasy just before their return to Wirrawee from the bush?

The sound of aeroplanes were above them. They felt guilty because they had missed the show (Ellie usually goes with her father). Atmosphere was off (mood). They can see fires/smoke.

2. What do you think will await the group back home?

Something bad. Alien attack?

CHAPTER 6

1. What is the first sign that something is wrong at Ellie’s house?

The dogs are dead.

2. Who is the first person to realise what is happening?

Lee – he moves the car under the shelter so the planes can’t see it.

3. What is Ellie’s reaction to this?

She shouts at Lee that he is wrong. Disbelief.

4. Why do you think Ellie reacts this way?

She is frightened and anxious. She doesn’t want it to be true. She is panicked.

CHAPTER 7

1. Which people in the group are starting to stand out as leaders?

Homer (because of gathering resources) “I think we should split up.”

Robyn (the bikes, calm, voice of reason) “Under a lot of pressure from Robyn we agreed to try and eat before doing anything more.”

Kevin (at the fair ground)

2. Is this surprising? Why or why not?

Kevin, Robyn and Homer. Homer is surprising because he was known as a delinquent. Robyn – quite timid but comes across as strong, Kevin – self centered to leadership role/protective

3. What does Lee mean when he says “we might have to make some ugly choices”?

They might have to leave the dogs behind, might have to kill/fight

4. How is Ellie’s image of Kevin changing in this chapter?

He was self-centred and now he is thinking about the others and how to help them.

5. How is Ellie “transformed” once she steps out from behind a tree near the Showgrounds?

She understands what is going on, “It was a dance of courage… I was transformed by those four step… a more complicated and capable person…”

CHAPTER 8

1. How does Ellie feel after the lawn mower incident?

She doesn’t want to think about what happens (the fate of the soldiers). She just wants to get out of there.

2. How does she think the others will react to her story once she tells it?

They will act as if it was a big, heroic thing she has done.

3. How do they actually react?  Why?

They say she was right, “Don’t feel so bad,” H “This is war now. Normal rules don’t apply.” H

CHAPTER 9

1. Corrie and Ellie reminisce about how innocent they were in high school and even a few days ago. Why were they still innocent then? Why are they no longer innocent?

Innocent because they were normal school students and safe “that was a big fantasy”. No longer innocent – “they will never feel safe again.” Ellie has killed people too.

2. Why, in Ellie’s opinion, is Cobler’s Bay and Wirrawee so important to the invaders?

It’s an entrance point and it is secluded.

3. Why does Homer think splitting up is a good idea?

Because it is better if only a few of them get caught or die as opposed to all of them.

4. Why do you think the invaders dropped a bomb on Corrie’s house?

They want to scare them, show off their fire power. They see the dog and know people are there.

CHAPTER 10

1. Why does Homer insist on going on with the plan after Corrie’s house blows up? How does he convince Corrie that this is a good idea?

They can’t just hide and wait for it to be over. Uses persuasion, “we’ve made a lot of mistakes and we’ve paid a hell of a price, but we’ll learn…”

2. Describe the strategy Homer and Ellie use to ensure their safety when riding their bikes into town. What does this show about how they are starting to think?

They stop, walk down and check, before they move on. Waves to say no one is there. They are thinking like soldiers. They only travel at night.

3. Why is Ellie feeling more relaxed and confident now?

She is doing something.

4. Why do you think Mr Clement is reluctant to help Lee and Robyn? How would you react if you were in his position?

Doesn’t want to get caught.

5. What are the 2 different types of soldiers and how do they each treat the inhabitants of Wirrawee?

Professional and conscripted. Prof. treat people better.

6. What do you think happened to people who “tried to be heroes”?

Died. Shot.

7. Why do you think Robyn had the strength to carry Lee?

Like a mother can lift a car when full of adrenalin. 

8. Who gives Lee injections? Why is this surprising?

Robyn – she hates needles and blood.

9. How has Homer changed in Ellie’s eyes since the invasion?

He has become a soldier, a hottie, a McBabe,

10. Why have the group decided to use a big, noisy and conspicuous truck to rescue Lee? Whose idea is it?

It is out of the ordinary. Big truck is more bullet proof than a car.

CHAPTER 11

1. How does Ellie feel as she is waiting in the truck at the Council Depot?

She was scared and excited, mostly feeling fear.

2. Where does her fear come from?

Not saving Lee or her friends.

3. What is Homer’s explanation for the need to swap cars at Chris Lang’s place?

The soldiers would have seen the car.

4. What does this show about the way he is thinking?

Critical thinking, intelligent, thinking before acting.

CHAPTER 12

1. Why is it so terrible that Chris falls asleep while on sentry duty?

Everyone lives are at risk.

2. How does Ellie react?

She kicks and yells at him. She threatens to kill him.

3. Why do you think she reacts this way?

They could all be killed. They have come so far. Stress. “Emotion denied is emotion deferred.”

4. How does she feel about her reaction later?

She feels bad. She wanted to apologise.

CHAPTER 13

1. According to what the teenagers hear on Corrie’s radio, why would America be best not to get involved in Australia’s struggle?

“America would find themselves in the longest, costliest and bloodiest war in her history if she tried to intervene.”

2. Why is Australia being invaded?

Aussie has STUFF – jobs, houses, food, land, clean water

3. How are the prisoners being treated?

Being held in humanitarian conditions

4. What do Kevin and Robyn argue about?

Why are they getting invaded.

5. The group is starting to think about long term survival in Hell. What are some clues to this?

They talk about bringing in livestock and better resources.

6. What does the group decide they must do at this point?

The two pairs go into town, find information and equipment.

CHAPTER 14

1. What reasons does Ellie give Lee for not wanting a relationship with him?

She is confused – Lee OR Homer?

2. What do you think are the real reasons?

Doesn’t want to get into a relationship in the middle of a war.

CHAPTER 15

1. What do Ellie and Lee find in the Hermit’s hut that the others don’t know about?

Papers, documents, photos, a chest.

2. According to the coroner’s report what are the two possible ways the Hermit’s family died?

Murder – shot in head. Possibly put in the fire after death OR in the bush when the fire started (mercy killing)

3. Which do you believe? Why?

Letter from the woman’s mum says he was innocent…

CHAPTER 16

1. What is the Hermit’s mother in law’s attitude toward him as seen in her letter?

Supportive.

2. What does this suggest about the way in which the Hermit’s family actually died?

That it was a mercy killing as opposed to murder

3. What makes Ellie change her mind about Lee on the way back from the Hermit’s hut?

She wants to be alive and feel emotion, not be cold and unfeeling.

CHAPTER 17

1. Why does Ellie feel uncomfortable with Chris bringing cigarettes and alcohol into Hell?

It is not essential to the group.

2. Why do you think prisoners are sent to clean up the houses around town?

So that the soldiers don’t have to do it, so the spoiled food can’t spread, valuables can be found, soldiers want to live in them.

3. What is meant by a “clean war”? Why are the invaders so intent on having a “clean war”?

No concentration camps or torture – they want Red Cross and UN intervention.

4. What happened to the soldiers involved in the lawnmower incident, according to Robyn? How does this make Ellie feel?

Two of three were killed. She feels anxious.

5. What does Kevin want to bring into Hell by way of livestock?

Ferrets.

CHAPTER 18

1. What does Ellie find primarily attractive about Lee?

His mind, intelligence, face and radiates security.

2. Who is she attracted to physically?

Homer.

3. What are the group’s options according to Homer?

Make an army of their own – it will take American troops a while to come

4. What do they decide to do and why?

Going to investigate Cobbler’s Bay. Because it was a strategic point that the soldiers were using.

CHAPTER 19

1. What makes Ellie think the soldiers walking past them are professionals?

They show skill as the move.

2. What do the soldiers fire at in the bushes?

A rabbit

3. What are some clues that the group is starting to think “more like soldiers”?

Thinking more tactically about their decisions, thinking ahead. Thinking about the best way to kill.

4. What does Homer suggest they do when the group goes up to the Heron?

They blow up the bridge.

5. What are his strategies to put his plan into action?

Provoking cattle to rush the soldiers, using bikes,

6. Do you think the plan will work? What problems do you think they might encounter?

Fi and Ellie might encounter soldiers as they move the tanker, the soldiers not be on the right side of the bridge.

CHAPTER 20

1. Why is Ellie nervous about being paired with Fi?

She is not reliable. Fi for Fickle? She tends to disappear when tough jobs to be done. Ellie is worried that she is hesitant, she has never had responsibility.

2. What is true courage according to Ellie?

“true courage is when you’re really scared but still do it.” (p256) - E

3. Were her concerns about Fi realised? Explain.

Fi was strong. She stepped up and performed. “but now it was her courage I was admiring instead of her grace and beauty.” (p261) - E

4. What is a clue that Fi’s relationship with Homer is becoming serious?

The say I love you on the walkie-talkie.

5. What problems do Fi and Ellie encounter on their mission to bring the tanker to the appropriate place under the bridge? How do they deal with these problems?

They came across a group of soldiers. They park in the wrong place.

Deal with this by Fi signalling to Ellie when they were in the right place.

CHAPTER 21

1. What is it that primarily attracts Fi to Homer?

“he was like two people, he is shy with me but confident when he’s in a group.”

2. What are Fi’s intentions regarding Homer?

To marry him xxx Planning her life with him, want to learn how to farm

3. Why does this surprise Ellie?

They are opposite people, Fi is from town (posh) and Homer is ‘rough as guts’

4. How do Ellie and Fi feel as they are leaving the scene on their motorbikes?

Like kids. Excited. Immature. Elated.

5. Why do you think the group decided to blow up the bridge?

To stop them coming through – the extra soldiers.

6. How is this exploit different from the other exploits the group has been on? (ie blowing up lawnmower, rescuing Lee, going into town to check things out…)

This isn’t just for themselves, this is for their country. It is a bigger cause.

CHAPTER 22

1. What do Ellie and the others see in Ellie’s shed when they ride up her driveway?

The others. Corrie, Kevin and Robyn. She sees Corrie has been shot.

2. What does Ellie compare this scene with? Why do you think she does this?

Like the birth of Jesus. Because it feels surreal.

3. What does Homer suggest the group does?

Split up. Leave the car outside the hospital with Corrie in it and run away.

4. What does Kevin decide to do?

Take Corrie to the hospital.

5. What does this reveal about him?

He actually cares deeply for her.

EPILOGUE

1. What is Ellie’s concern about her story?

The it is swayed her own opinions.

2. How is her story the same as what the Hermit left in his box?

She is afraid that people might have different opinions about what the actual events were. The people had a negative opinion of the hermit but he acted out of mercy.

3. How has Ellie’s view of Kevin changed from what she thought of him in the beginning?

He is actually caring. He is a good person and approves of him.

4. What do you think will happen to Corrie and Kevin?

They will go to the hospital and die!

They will get caught by soldiers and die!

The hospital helps and not die!

Kevin might end up in the camp. Corrie will die! Or maybe live!