Working in groups, prepare a one-page report on one of the following topics. Each group will present their findings to the class, using an over-head transparency sheet to highlight key points.

Topic A

Select one of the quotations below. Agree or disagree with Crabbe’s statement. Give a mininum of three reasons why you agree or disagree. Support your opinion with examples from your own life and experiences, from society, and from the novel Crabbe.

a) “Like most grown-ups, he thinks teenagers are basically stupid and easily manipulated.” (p. 11)

b) “Sometimes words don’t count.” (p. 19)

c) “One thing I learned pretty quickly at highschool was that it doesn’t pay to be honest, to be yourself.” (p.30)
 

Topic B

The story of Crabbe’s esacpe to the wilderness can be compared to the stories  of the hero in mythology. Describe the quest (journey) which Crabbe undertakes to prove himself and the outcome of this adventure. Outline the important role that a goddess plays in helping Crabbe achieve his goal. Explain how, once the quest is achieved, Crabbe endures further hardship and why the journey home is so important.

Topic C
“What’s in a name?”
At the beginning of our study of Crabbe,  before we even met the character himself, we explored the potential meanings of Franklin Crabbe’s name. Now that we know Crabbe’s character, return to the list of possible meanings we recorded, and, for each one, comment on whether or not they are an accurate character description of Crabbe.