Downhill Chance (50 page)

Q:
Downhill Chance
was described as an anti-war novel in
The Antigonish Review
. Do you see it this way?

It took neither side. It merely reflected the view of the men who did go to war, and those who didn’t. But, having said that, most of the passion lay on the “anti” war side …

Q:
Is there more for Clair or Luke? What about Missy or Hannah, or even the baby Hannah? Will we meet them again in one of your novels?

No. They’re done. Or, perhaps I should say, yes, you’ll meet them again, but in different form??? Aren’t most characters aspects of the writer’s self as he/she morphs betwixt one archetype and another??? I’m getting silly, I think I’m tired.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1.  Domestic violence rears its head early on in this novel, when Luke innocently asks Gid, “How come your da hit you?” and later remarks, quite suddenly, “Your da oughtna hit you like that.” Discuss how the characters in
Downhill Chance
cope with their parental weaknesses.

2.  Missy dreams of her father lying in the mud with spiders crawling over him. Do you recall any childhood dreams that had a strong impact on you at the time? Did any of them stay with you?

3.  Is Job being heroic when he leaves to go to war?

4.  Job says “War is no place for a thinking man.” Discuss this statement. Do you think it still holds true?

5.  
Downhill Chance
is almost an oral folk tale—how did the language and dialogue in the novel contribute to your reading experience?

6.  Fairies and dreams have a profound impact on Missy’s life into her adulthood, but Clair seems to have outgrown this fantasy world. Why do you think Missy continues to find comfort in fantasy? What can’t Clair?

7.  Clair and Missy’s uncle Sim is menacing and evil in Clair’s eyes, but he’s a saviour to Missy. How do you feel about Uncle Sim?

8.  When Hannah overhears the old vet talking about Job’s role in Joey’s death, Luke tells Hannah, “You’re not to pay attention, for it’s a sickness that makes the old vet say things like he did.” Do you think Luke and Clair are right to protect Hannah from the whole truth?

9.  Courage—or a lack of it—torments many of the characters in this novel. Who do you think showed courage? Who didn’t?

10.  Near the end of the novel Luke remarks, “It’s all the one garden.” What do you think he means? Is he right?

11.  Discuss this phrase: “A life lived only once is a life unlived.” Is self-examination necessary in order to live life well?