The Other Side of the Bridge Questions for Part 1

ENG 3U

The Other Side of the Bridge Questions (prologue to chapter 4)

1. Reread the first paragraph of the prologue. What is your impression based on this one paragraph? Read the rest of the page, what do we learn about the boys on this page? 2. What does the knife throwing game potentially symbolize in the relationship which exists between the brothers? 3. Suggest why the final line of the prologue is significant. 4. Describe the setting(s) of the story. Give details. 5. Describe Ian's initial views of both Laura and Arthur Dunn. 6. What is your impression of Ian's mother? 7. What does it mean to be an Outsider? How is this manifested in Ian's life? 8. Why is Ian so drawn to the idea of leaving Struan? What is so appealing about being somewhere else? 9. Why are the expectations placed upon Ian different than those placed upon Pete? 10.What is Arthur's earliest memory? Why is it so important? 11.How is working on the farm different than Ian expected? Were his expectations realistic? 12.How does Ian react to his mother's news? Is his reaction justified?

The Other Side of the Bridge Questions (Chapters 5 – 10)

1. Was Ian's mom justified in leaving? Would you sacrifice your happiness for your family? Do you think she'll really be happier in her new life? 2. What does Ian's father get him for his birthday? How does Ian interpret it? Do you think his father gave it as much analysis as Ian did? 3. Why did Carter take his Dad's truck? Sergeant Moynihan suggests his father might, "take it out of [his] hide." (117) Is Arthur likely to do that? How might he react? What reaction would Carter prefer? 4. What two death experiences affect Ian in chapter 7? What impact do they have on his life/outlook? 5. Contrast the way Ian and his father deal with Mrs. Christopherson’s absence. Contrast the reactions of each Dunn in response to Mr. Dunn's death. What does the way they deal with loss say about each character? Which reaction would you have in those circumstances? 6. "It made quite a picture, Ian thought. It would be called The Mother. Though there was something about the scene that wasn't as reassuring as the title suggested" (197). What is the significance of this? 7. Why does Cathy suddenly become unbearable to Ian? Would they truly be happy together? Why or why not? 8. How has his mother affected Ian's decisions since she left? 9. Describe the meal had between Ian and his father. How is it an example of a male stereotype? Why does it so clearly highlight his mother's absence? ENG 3U

10.What does Ian come to realize about himself in chapter 9? (Think of the scene with the kid with measles and the scene with Pete) 11.When Jake sees Arthur's face while their mom is talking about Laura Dunn, what does he realize? How does he react? What does this scene make you think about Jake?

The Other Side of the Bridge Questions (Chapter 11-end)

1. Why does Ian get so upset when Jake suggests Struan will become a ghost town? How does this represent a changing perspective for Ian? 2. Ian thinks Jake's life sounds "like a fabulous game." (274) Is it actually an enjoyable game? Do you think Jake likes his life? Would Ian? Does impact does Jake ultimately have on Ian’s life? 3. If Jake is returning home to "lick his wounds (281) as Ian says, why? 4. What is the significance of Ian dreaming about his mother getting out of Jake's car? 5. How does Arthur react to the sight of Ted Hatchett? (Physically and spiritually) What does Arthur do for Ted Hatchett? 6. Why could Arthur not say no to Jake even when he knew he should? 7. What decision has Pete made about his future? How does it effect Ian and why? 8. How does Ian's perfect image of a loving family get shattered? Can anything ever truly be as perfect as we idealize it to be? 9. Who is the most guilty in Carter's death? Why? In the end, what guilt lays on each major character? What questions do Ian, Arthur and Laura all spend their lives wondering? 10.Why is Ian so worried about whether Carter was with the others watching the magnificent bird? 11.Ian and Pete fish in Hopeless Inlet searching for "the one that got away", is it actually hopeless? What are they really searching for? 12.What do you think of the end of the novel? Was there closure? What was missing, if anything? What were you left wanting to know?