Talking in Whispers - A novel by James Watson

Key Issues

 the abuse of human rights
 the effect of military regimes
 injustice and persecution
 violence
 survival
 truth
 how the structure of the government influences the people
 the effect of the media
 freedom of speech

Opening Poem by Chico Barque

1) Why would there be no argument?
2) Why would his people talk in ‘whispers’?
3) Is the second verse positive or negative? What suggests this?

Chapter 1

1) By what name is Miguel Alberti referred to?
2) How is Miguel portrayed in paragraphs 3 and 4?
3) What message does Miguel give the people? How do the people react? Why do they react that way?
4) Why does Andres powder the dirt on his face?
5) Describe the actions and personalities of the men who took Andres’s father.
6) How does Andres feel about his actions during the incident?
7) Where had we met the twins before?
8) What does Beto think of his sister?
9) Why was The Silver Lion shot dead? What is Beto’s reaction to this?
10) Why do you think the military authorities had taken over all broadcasting stations?
11) Describe the situation that Andres and his friends find themselves in when they enter the city. What happens to them?
12) What is the general impression we get of the ‘Junta’ in chapter 1 and what opinion do people have of them?
13) Why does Beto say ‘and God bless us’?
14) In chapter 1 what impression are we given of; Isa, Beto and Andres?

 Activity : Imagine you are Andres. Write a journal entry (minumum ½ page) describing what you have experienced today.

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