Chapter Questions- 2

1. What are the attitudes of Mrs Mossop, Laura Davidson and Joseph towards Tom Leyton?

The attitudes of all three of them are very negative, opposed and suspicious. I don't think that Laura and Joseph really want to believe this gossip but they are kind of subjected to it by Mrs Mossop. I think that they want to give the Leyton family a chance.

2. What is Joseph's reaction to the suggestion that he draw Tom Leyton for his school project?
Joseph seems shocked by the proposition, he couldn't sleep on the night that he heard the news and he kept thinking about the words and pictures that he remembered from the conversation. He had become almost frozen and filled with embarrassment.

3. What references are there to Joseph's father in the chapter? How does Joseph respond to any mention of his father?

The two references to his father in the chapter are about where he is and about his job and when Mrs Mossop said to Laura that 'the boy needs a male in the house' (pg 23)In the first instance about where his is and his job, Joseph seems to not want to be reminded about him and either gives a short, one-word answer or a simple head-nod. In the second instance, Joseph only over hears the comment but is filled with 'resentment' (pg 23) by the comment.