Zombies day 10 to day 20
'Nomi volunteered to scout it out, to look for a pharmacy and a siurce of supplies, Kat gave a half-hearted protest but didn't take it any further after she fixed him with a look.
a)What do you think it means to fix someone with a look?
It means that you look at someone for a long time (it usually makes them stop talking or doing what they were doing).
b)Why is Kats protest half-hearted?
Kat's heart wasn't in it. He wanted to tell her not to go, considering what happened the previous time, but she was determined (fixed him with a look) and he wasn't going to fight.
'Looks dead, she said, without considering her unfortunate choice of words .'
Suggest a reason why her words were an 'unfortunate choice'. What did she actually mean?
Her choice of words may be insensitive to use taking into consideration that two of their friends had just died. Also, they are surrounded by death (zombies) constantly. Describing the place as dead means that it is empty and quiet.
'He wasn't going to make any decisions. Dirk's death had taken away his will and turned him into an apathetic husk.'
a)Comment on the use of the words 'apathetic husk'.
Apathetic='showing no emotion/ feeling no interest, enthusiasm, or concern". Husk=shell. Describing Kat like this means that he is empty, just an emotionless shell compared to what he was before.
b)What has happened to Kat?
Because Dirk just died, Kat doesn't really care about anything anymore.
c)Why is this a bad thing?
Kat is suppposed to be their leader and protector. This behaviour is dangerous for all of them.
Kon says that they had let their gaurd down. What reason does he offer for this?
Grief and depression.
...but they appeared all at once trapping us like a ring of fire.
What figure of speech is used in the above qoute?
Simile
Why is this image suitable?
It is suitable because fire is dangerous. Zombies encircling them is also dangerous.
Where do they hide from the zombies? Where do they zombies chase them?
In an abandoned MTN store.
What is pa's plan? What does this tell you about Pa? Why is he doing this?
He wanted to blow up the zombies below by jumping of the roof and detonating it within the crowd. He is self-sacrificing and selfless. He is doing it to protect his children.
Why do you think Pa came up with this plan?
He knew that he was probably going to die because of his infection, so he would rather sacrifice himself to save the group.
What heavy responsibilitu does Pa lay on Kat?
He tells to protect Kon and Rik no matter what.
What advice does Pa give Kat?
He says that Kat needs to step up and be the leader of the group again as they need him.
'My father is dead'
Comment on the effectiveness of this single line.
It is placed on its own to show its gravity. It shows that Kon also needs to let this sink in.
It becomes clear in this day what Kon thinks of Pa. What do you think his opinion of his dad is?
He thinks very highly of his father, saying that he was the strongesr mad he had ever known and expressing the wish to be like his father when he grows up.
Why did it never occur to Kon that he could lose Pa?
He has been so used to Pa always being there. It again shows that Kon is quite naive and sheltered.
What has happened to Rik as a result of Pa's death?
He has become angry and is speaking even less. He has also become destructive; he destroy cars and signs and kills zombies.
Kon thinks that Pa's death had triggered something else in Rik and that there is more going on underneath the surface.
Explain this comment.
Kon thinks that Rik is not only reacting his father's death but also his mother's death and all the memories he has of her.
What role has Kat adopted in the boys' lives?
He is their protector, as Pa said. He is like a big brother to them now.
How many members are left in the group now? Who are they?
Five
'Rik cried too, and we hugged. We were never affectionate as a family... 'Why do the brothers hug now, despite Kon noting that the family had never been affectionate?
They realise that they are all they have left, so now they value each other more.
What does the group find to eat? Explain how they went about it?
There was a cow in the clearing. They decided to herd it with sticks.
How did Kat know how to herd?
He used to visit his grandfather in rural Eastern Cape when he was a boy.
What does Kon finally realise/admit to himself in this day?
He finally realises that he has a crush on Nomi.
Why does Kon feel bad at the thought of killing the cow?
The cow is alive in a way that zombies aren't "alive", it is sentient.
What does Kat see as a method of breaking the ice? Do you think this is an effective way to do this? Is it sensitive?
He tell jokes.
What is changing in Nomi?
She was becoming less tense, smiling more.
Comment on the appropriateness of Kon reading Gulliver's Travels to the group.
The group is also on an epic journey into a 'strange , fantastic world'.
What change is there in Kish? Why do you think this is happening?
She is relaxing and speaking more. She is getting used to them and building a connection with them.
What question was often aksed when meeting a new survivor?
"Where were you when it happened?"
Recount Kish's outbreak story. Would you have reacted differently?
She was busy teaching when it happened. At first, she locked herself and the kids in the classroom, but then decided that they needed to get to safety. She helped the kids escape through a window.
What does Kat ask Kon to do? Why does he want Kon to do this?
He wanted Kon to tell them about his mother. He wanted Kon to reach 'catharsis' releasing his repressed emotions about his mother.
What is revealed about their mother?
Rik says that he killed her.
What is Rik starting to look like to the othrs? Why would they think this?
He is starting to look like a sociopath. He is displaying some concerning traits- he does not talk much, so they can see that as antisocial behaviour. He seems to have killer instincts as he kills swiftly and seems to have no consience.
Kon gives reasons as to why this isn't the case. What are these reasons?
Kon still sees Rik as his little brother. He was still the boy with a love for Lego, a freckled nose, chipped tooth. The boy that Kon had climbed trees with and taught how to fish.
Why did Rik become quitter after their mother's death?
He blamed himself for her death.
To whom does Kon compare ther group? Why?
He compares them to the Voortrekkers. He does this because they are also out on a trek, exploring new territory, not knowing what they may face.
What gift does Kat give Nomi? How do you think this makes Kon feel?
He gives her a diamond ring. Kon probably feels a little bit jealous that Nomi seems to be blushing because of the interaction.
'No.' My voice was soft and pathetic-man, I felt uncomfortable.'
What are they teasing Kon about?
They were teasing Kon about girls, asking if he had ever had a girlfriend.
How does this make him feel?
He says that he is uncomfortable and describes his voice as 'soft and pathetic', he clearly feels very self-conscious.
What does Nomi teach Kon?
She teaches him how to use her Samurai sword.
Where was Nomi when the outbreak started?
She was busy working in the lab.
Why do you think Nomi chose the Michelangelo?
It has so many floors (and she chose the room right at the top) that is safer from zombies.
Why does Kat appear to be a superhero?
When he carries heavy things, he makes it seem effortless.
Who has Rik formed a special bond with?
He has bonded with Nomi.
Why do you think, that is important at this stage in the novel for the group to have some fun?
It is important that some relief is created. They have recently been through very trying times, so it is necessary for them to blow off some steam. It also gives the reader a moment to come to terms with everything that has happened and prepares the reader for what may come next.
Why do Maria and Gys not see zombies often?
They don't like the water(they probably cannot swim) and they struggle to walk in the sand.
'I may be young, but I have now witnessed first-hand how extremes often cause more problems than they solve.'
In what ways, do you think, do extremes causes more harm than good?
Learners must include the idea that a balance in life, society is what one should strive for.
How has the sea air been good for them?
They all seem more relaxes and look much better. Kish has taken or responsibility (cooking) after not being able to do much of anything before. Nomi and Kat are more relaxed and take a stroll on the beach- instead of constantly worrying about everything and keeping everyone safe. The boys are behaving more like children again.
Why does Kon feel proud of Rik?
Rik is becoming stronger. He is able to take care of himself.
What life skills are the brothers taught?
The boys are taught how to fish.
When, according to Gys, would you know that you have a bite on your line?
A sharp pull on the line would let you know.
Explain why Kon says that he understands Gys' aversion to mass fishing?
He understands that this way of life for Gys- it was the way he lived, the way his father had lived, etc. He also ays that it was fun to fish.
What does Kon catch? What do they do with it? What lesson is Kon taught as a result?
Kon catches a baby shark. They release it. Kon is taught that everything in life has its role to play.
'There is a choice to be made.'
What choice does Gys say people have when it comes to fishing?
People don't have to eat everything they catch, they can choose to release the fish.
How does this apply to life in general?
There is always a choice about what you will do with what you receive. You can choose to be selfish, or you can act for the greater good.
Why does Kon not bother to invite Gys and Mario along?
He knows that they would refuse the offer, they had everything that they could want right where they were.