View a FREE sample

1. What essential information is related in the prologue of the novel?

In the prologue, the reader is introduced to Matthew Dunbar who is the narrator of the novel. Matthew explains that he is writing Clay's story, which is the story of all the Dunbar's ultimately, on a typewriter that he dug up from a backyard along with a dead snake and a dead dog.

2. Who are the Dunbar sons and what are their basic qualities?

Matthew is the eldest and considered "Mr. Responsible." Next is Henry, who is a gambler and bookie. Rory is the biggest troublemaker of the group. Clay is the smiler and is quiet. Tommy is the youngest and loves animals.

3. Who does "the Murderer" refer to and why does he come to the Dunbar home?

The Murderer is Michael Dunbar, the father of the Dunbar boys who abandoned his family after his wife's death. This is why Matthew calls him the murderer--because he slew the hearts of his sons by leaving. He has come to ask them to help him build a bridge.

(read all 60 Short Essay Questions and Answers)

This section contains 2,975 words (approx. 10 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample