Silent To The Bone

What is Margaret’s role in the story, and why is her relationship with her younger brother, Connor, such a key focus of the plot? How does Margaret contribute to Connor’s growth as a person?

Why is Connor the perfect person for the task of helping Branwell speak again? What techniques does Connor use? What attitudes does he have?

How do Friendship, Family, and Their Unspoken Understandings play a role in Branwell’s process of healing and in the slow retelling of his experiences? What is it about Connor and Branwell’s friendship that makes this approach effective?

What does Connor learn about Silence as a Form of Communication? Why is listening sometimes more important than speaking, and why does Branwell keep his silence for so long?

What do the various flash cards that Connor uses symbolize? How does Connor decide what to put on them, and how does his technique evolve during the story?

Why does Branwell feel the need to keep the incident with Vivian a secret? How does his silence on this and other issues with Vivian demonstrate The Impact of Shame on One’s Personal Choices?

Why does Connor understand better than anyone what happened between Vivian and Branwell? How might adolescents be vulnerable to manipulation and abuse by adults in regard to relationships and sex?

How does Connor grow as a person through the challenge of helping Branwell speak? What does Margaret mean when she says that he’s “growing in the right direction” (183)?