“Horses of the Night” Discussion Questions

Pather 2016 Page 1 Name “Horses of the Night” Discussion Questions English 12 Answer the followi ng vocabulary in note form only and in the context of the story. Vocabulary: equanimity; annihilation; conviction; oracle; gelding Directions: work with a partner initially. Use the space provided to jot down discussion notes to answer the following questions. Responses should be computer processed and in proper paragraph form. Re sponses should be individually produced. 1. When do you first suspect that Chris is living in a world of delusions? List as much evidence as you can find before the last couple of pages. 2. Characters in this story have difficulty communicating. Give as ma ny examples as you can. How does this theme of communication help you to understand what happens in the story? 3. Contrast the views of God held by Chris and Vanessa. What circumstances in their lives do you think have led them to their beliefs? 4. Chris’s letter is very revealing. How do you interpret the lines Vanessa repeats to her mom? 5. Laurence’s descriptive writing is very effective. For example, read the following: “The blue air trembled and spun with the heat haze, and the hay on which I was lying held the scents of grass and dust and wild mint.” How does the author achieve this descriptive effect? Pick one other especially descriptive passage from the story, write it down, and be prepared to explain why you think it is so effective.