Unspeakable Things

To what extent is Cass a reliable narrator? How does her interpretation of events force the reader to identify differences between what is shown and what is told? Consider and unpack the extent to which the adult narrator injects herself into the narrative.

The text employs conventions of several genres. What does an analysis of this novel gain by classifying it as a psychological thriller, YA novel, historical fiction, or any other genre that you think is more accurate? What does it lose if it is analyzed only through one genre’s lens, and what is the benefit of telling this story through a combination of genres?

How does Cass’s loss of innocence compare with that of her sister? Why? Consider how the novel would be different if it were told from the perspective of Sephie. How might Goblin be caught without Cass’s involvement?

The themes and central conflict of the text are very much informed by the setting, as the rural small town enables a sense of isolation, fear, and hypocrisy. Should this novel be classified as “regional literature”? Why or why not?

What does the ending of the novel suggest about Cass taking agency in her own life? How does her trauma and abuse shape her journey toward self-determination?

How is the novel shaped by the retrospective narration of adult Cass? What do we learn from adult Cass’s framing of her experiences? How would the novel differ if it were narrated solely by child Cass?

Every single character is affected by violence. What does the novel suggest about the effect of slow violence (i.e., consistent abuse or institutional neglect) versus graphic, sudden physical violence?

Several animals play key roles in this text. What does the treatment of dogs, cats, chickens, and birds reveal about the treatment of the subverted characters by their elevated counterparts (i.e., women by men or children by adults)?