Name___________________

Introduction To Psychology

Mrs. Andrews

 

Prince of Tides:

Guided Reading Questions

30 points

 

After reading the first section of Prince of Tides, pages 1-219, answer the following questions using specific evidence from the book to support your answers.  The first six or seven questions are more plot driven while the last three will require more thought and reflection.  If you have any questions, make sure you ask!

 

  1. Describe where the Wingo family lives and how the family came settle on the small South Carolina island.

 

  1. Describe Savannah’s most recent “incident.”  What was her behavior pattern when this type of tragedy occurred in the past?  What was Tom’s role in her recovery?  How is her behavior different this time in New York?

 

  1. How does Savannah depict her visions?  Explain in detail.

 

  1. How did the Wingo family come to be Catholic?

 

  1. Explain the importance of Stone Mountain in the lives of Tom, Luke and Savannah.

 

  1. How does “Callanwolde” shape the imaginations and lives of the Wingo children?

 

  1. Tom begins to see, although he doesn’t realize it at the time, Savannah’s illness when he sees Savannah with Rose Aster, explain this incident and how this illustrates Savannah’s condition. 

 

Choose one of the following:

  1. Think about the relationship of Luke, Savannah & Tom.  How do these siblings relate to each other?  What roles and responsibilities does each individual fulfill within the family?  Provide at least three quotations for each character to support your opinions.

 

  1. The relationship of Tom and his mother has not been fully revealed at this point in the novel; however, Tom makes numerous references to his mother and his admiration despite a strong abhorrence he feels for her.  Using quotations from the novel, trace the relationship Tom has developed with his mother from Tom’s childhood to adulthood.  Obviously there will be major gaps in your timeline which we will fill-in as you continue to read.

 

  1. Finally, it appears that this novel is about a mentally ill woman whose violent childhood haunts her attempt to live.  However, Conroy also demonstrates other types of illnesses, illustrated through the character Tom, who is indeed a “normal” but “sick” man.  Explain what trials and tribulations Tom is experiencing in his own life and attempt to follow his unraveling and his efforts to rebuild his life.

 

 

Finally, I remind you that your responses should be your own work.  These questions are not difficult or convoluted.  They will serve as a measure of your reading and completion of the first portion of your assigned quarter project.  Any use of outside materials or other student’s work will be treated as a serious offense.  I hope that you do in fact read and enjoy the novel- the purpose of the project!