24 pages 48 minutes read

Greg Hollingshead

The Roaring Girl

Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 1995

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Essay Topics

1.

The jury awarding The Roaring Girl the Governor-General’s Literary Award for fiction said that Hollingshead’s stories “illuminate the mix-ups, dilemmas, and joys of contemporary life with lightning bolts of fiercely unexpected epiphanies.” Explain the epiphany that happens to the boy. What sparks it and how is the boy changed by it?

2.

The young protagonist is referred to as “the boy” rather than Jim for most of the story, and Lyn is referred to as “the girl.” What is the effect of this lack of names on the tone of the story? 

3.

The family members deeply love each other but fail to communicate clearly. Does this help or hinder their love?