She tells Eveann’s mom that anyone who doesn’t speak up for Matt will be morally guilty of ruining his life. She tells Eveann’s mother that its our Christian duty to bear witness for one another. This shows us that Ursula has a persuasive personality. Chapter Nine What does Matt keep comparing his situation to? He compares it to a dark play – something that Edgar Allan Poe would write “a dark, nasty comedy where people’s misery was held up to ridicule” (77) What was the only good thing that Matt’s father identifies about the situation and the media’s coverage of it? What does this suggest about Matt’s father? That the name Donaghy hasn’t been printed in the paper yet How does Matt feel in this chapter? He’s desperate He thinks about running away – even death He talks about how easy life would be if he just died – he’d fall unto a rock and crack his head – so easy (78) How is the relationship with Matt and his “friends” different than before the allegations? His friends are not allowed to communicate with him They only sent him short emails explaining that they can’t communicate with him because they had been advised not to. Describe the type of words used by his “friends”. To “keep lawyers “advise” them to keep clear They can’t “communicate” with him Basically – they are not allowed to get in touch with Matt at all. Why doesn’t Mr. Weinberg reply to Matt’s message signed “Matt ‘Terrorist’ Donaghy”? He probably didn’t know how to respond to it. Plus all emails sent are monitored by the police so Ms. Weinberg did not want to get involved. How does Matt end his email to Ursula? Why is this significant? He signs it “Your friend Matt” Its significant because two people that spoke to each other are now friends because of this ordeal.
He calls himself a coward because he couldn’t bear the truth – he asked Ursula for her opinion and when she gave it to him he became upset with her because it wasn’t what he wanted to hear. Why does Matt hate Ursula? Does he really hate her? He says that he hates her because she is judging his parents. He thinks that Ursula also believes that a lawsuit is just about money, like everyone else. Chapter Thirty-Six Where is Matt at the beginning of this chapter? At home getting to see Mr. Harpie -a psychiatrist – a “renowned” (famous – well known) doctor. Why did Matt agree to see Dr. Harpie? Both of his parents had put pressure on him. They claimed to be “very concerned” How does Dr. Harpie describe Matt? As being sullen (grim – angry) and “uncommunicative”. What does Matt change his mind about? How does his father respond to this change? Matt changes his mind regarding the law suit. His father him to forget about it – it’s too late to change his mind. His father seems to be getting angry at Matt for having such thoughts. What has changed about Matt’s father? His face had changed – he used to have a handsome fair-skinned face – now it florid and slack. How does Matt’s father make him feel guilty? He tells Matt that they need to seek revenge because basically everybody betrayed Matt. His father says that his own integrity and his name is at stake all because of Matt’s “idiotic, childish sense of humor.” (200) Chapter Thirty-Seven Why does Ursula get mean again?