Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster

Do you agree with the Sweep’s decision to leave Nan before his death, in order to save her the pain of watching him die? Or did his unannounced departure create unnecessary pain and confusion? Use examples from the text to support your opinion.

Consider Roger’s childhood (sold to Crudd by his desperate family) as well as his behavior toward Nan and the other sweeps. Does Roger more closely conform to the character trope of the villainous antagonist, or the pitiable victim? Justify your answer using textual evidence.

The Sweep often steals fruit or eggs from nests to feed himself and Nan. Is stealing always the wrong thing to do, or is it excusable in this case, given the systemic issues of poverty and social injustice?

How does Nan’s changing relationship with Toby mirror her development as a character into a more trusting and loving person?

Miss Bloom helps Nan immeasurably by loaning her and Charlie’s books, assisting them in the May Day march, and urging the Friendly Society to open the school for retired chimney sweeps. Nan also helps Miss Bloom in a myriad of subtler ways; detail the ways that Nan contributes to Miss Bloom’s growth and development, particularly in terms of her acceptance of her past and her understanding of the plight of the less fortunate.

Miss Bloom warns Nan, “For the golem […] there is no happy ending” (191). Do you agree that Charlie’s ending is an unhappy one? Why or why not? Use examples from the text to prove your point.

How does Nan’s story suggest that love and imagination are more important for children than food and a home?

How does Jonathon Auxier use the characters of Crudd and Charlie to suggest that the real monsters are humans who are devoid of sympathy and kindness?