Physical Escape: Success - DWE

Question 1

Was it successful?

Answer 1

Yes — ultimately successful, emotionally and physically.

Question 2

Key points

Answer 2

• Thomas escapes death multiple times, including after killing Starling Carlton to protect Winona.
• John Cole urges him to run again, but Thomas refuses — a moment of maturity and selflessness:
• Thomas is saved from execution, and in the end returns to Tennessee:
“Free like a mourning dove.”
“Whole way sparkles with the beauty of woods and fields.”
• He realises what matters most: love, family, and belonging:
“It were only a short stretch of walking… to where my heart lies waiting.”

Question 3

Effect

Answer 3

Barry shows that true escape isn’t constant running, but finding peace in love and home.
• Thomas’s success is deeply earned and bittersweet, but life-affirming.