Act One Questions
1. The narrator tells the story of the Johnstone twins in a form
similar to the Prologue in Romeo and Juliet. Why do you think he
does this?
2. How does Mrs Johnstone feel when the gynaecologist reveals
that she is expecting twins?
3. What sort of agreement does Mrs Lyons make with Mrs Johnstone?
4. Why does Mrs Lyons make Mrs Johnstone swear on the bible? (Think
about the situations in which people are normally made to swear on
the bible).
5. Why does Mrs Lyons become increasingly agitated over Mrs
Johnstone’s fussing of the baby?
6. What does Mrs Lyons say will happen if the twins ever learn of the truth?
7. Where has Mickey been playing when he first meets Eddie? Why isn't
he allowed there?
8. What does Sammy call Edward during this scene?
9. Why do you think Mrs Lyons wants to move away?
10. List some of the benefits that Mrs Johnstone believes will happen
when they move away?
Act Two Questions
1. Why will the audience find it funny that Edward tells his teacher “You
can take a flying fuck at a rolling doughnut! But you shall not take my
locket!”? p.59
2. Why can’t Mickey ask Linda out in their early teens? Use a quote to
support your answer?
3. Why can’t Edward get a girlfriend in his early teens?
4. Whose “Ma” is said to be “off her beam”?
5. Whose “Ma” is said to be “a f*****’ head case”?
6. How do Linda and Mickey finally get together?
7. Do you agree with Mrs Johnstone’s statement to Mickey that he’s “…not had
much of a life with me…” Give reasons for your answer.
8. What motivated Mickey to stop taking the pills?
9. Why do you think Mrs Lyons tells Mickey about Linda’s and Edward’s affair?
10. How would you describe the effect of the ending? Explain why.
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