Aunt Julia

Question 1

Very loud and very fast

Answer 1

Suggests that Julia is a dynamic, vibrant and confident character but is also difficult to comprehend

Question 2

I could not answer her - could not understand her

Answer 2

Suggests that McCaig is frustrated at the barrier in communication between him and aunt Julia

Question 3

She wore men’s boots

Answer 3

Suggests that Julia has an unconventional work ethic, Dress and that she is practical

Question 4

Stained with peat

Answer 4

Suggests that Aunt Julia is at one with land, connected to nature, lack of vanity and Hardworking

Question 5

box bed

Answer 5

Suggests that it is enclosed and comforting and he vividly remembers lying there despite cramped conditions

Question 6

absolute darkness

Answer 6

Suggests that despite the uncomfortable surroundings, he feels safe and happy

Question 7

She was buckets and water flouncing into them

Answer 7

Suggests that Julia was almost like the elements of nature and full of life

Question 8

Keeper of threepenny bits

Answer 8

Suggests that Julia had a habit of saving money so she could combat poverty

Question 9

getting angry, getting angry

Answer 9

Suggests that McCaig deeply regrets that so many questions will remain unanswered now that Aunt Julia is dead

Question 10

seagull’s voice

Answer 10

Suggests that voice is loud and shrill like a seagull’s cry which links to nature