Black Swan Green

Using any of the bullies (such as Ross Wilcox, Gary Drake, or Grant Burch) as an example, explain what might lead these boys to their cruel behavior. Do you believe the events of the book will change these bullies, or is their behavior fixed?

What seems to cause Jason’s stammer, and how does he gain control over it? How does his limited access to words shape who Jason is?

One of Jason’s biggest fears is being labeled “gay,” although he is clearly interested in girls. How does this fear limit him? What conclusions does Jason draw about masculinity?

Why doesn’t Jason confide in his parents about his troubles at school, the broken watch, or his ongoing struggle with his stammer? Would confiding in either of his parents have eased his troubles or made them worse?

Who are Hangman, Maggot, Unborn Twin, and Eliot Bolivar? Are these positive or negative figures? What purpose do they serve? How does Jason’s perception of them change throughout the novel?

The novel is set during the Falklands War, and Jason keeps a scrapbook to mark its major events. Why did the author include the war in the novel? How does it affect Jason? What parallels are drawn between this conflict and Jason’s family life?

Although Jason successfully completes the Spooks’ initiation challenge, his friend Dean Moran fails, getting injured in the process. Why does Jason choose to help Moran? Does he make the right choice?

The novel is full of flawed male characters: Jason’s father is cowardly and unfaithful; Dean Moran’s father is an alcoholic; Uncle Brian is sexist; Craig Salt is a bully; several male villagers are racist. What do these negative traits say about masculinity? How do they affect Jason’s character development?