1. What clues in the first chapter of the story suggest what will happen later on?

2. Why does Simon idolize Quentin Phair at the beginning of the novel?

What happens to his perception of Quentin? How and why does it change?

3. Why is Aunt Leonis such a serene person, given that she has lost so much?

4. Why is Aunt Leonis able to enter Simon's games of make-believe? Why is this considered strange behavior for an adult?

5. What qualities make Forsyth Phair an effective antagonist in the novel?

6. Why does Aunt Leonis criticize Simon, and why does Simon later criticize himself, for running away when the wildcat attacks? What does Simon realize about himself as a result of this incident?

7. Why does Simon decide to stay in the village at the end of the book? Do you agree with Poly that his is a wrong decision...