Discussion #3: Chapter Six to Nine - Discussion Director

1. If you knew the good and bad consequences of going to Ingo, would you advise Sapphy and Conor to go there? Explain why.

I would advise Sapphy and Conor to go to Ingo but I would inform them of all the consequences of going to Ingo beforehand. I would forewarn them because, as a reader, I could see that Ingo played such an important part in their lives and, therefore, they must make the decision themselves after considering what going to Ingo would mean to their lives. As they have strong Mer blood in them, Sapphy and Conor would very likely find out about Ingo in the future anyway. Also, the chapters I have read led me to think that Sapphy and Conor would play a crucial role in the world of Ingo.

2. If you were a friend of Sapphy and Conor and you did not know anything about Ingo, what were two possible ways you think Mathew Trewhella (their dad) could have died?

If I were a friend to Sapphy and Conor and I did not know anything about Ingo, I think Mathew Trewhella could have died from being eaten by a shark or another type of dangerous fish that tore or bit a hole in his boat. Another possibility could be that upon his return from sailing and, on his way home, he tripped on the slippery, wet rocks, hit his head and died. His body was quickly swept away into the sea by the tide during the night.

3. How would you react if you saw Faro or Elvira? Explain why.

I would be frightened, but also intrigued. This was because to actually see a Mer would be shocking and hard to believe at first. Then, curiosity would set in, particularly when Faro or Elvira did not appear to be threatening or harmful to me. I would probably attempt to find out who they were and where they came from. Seeing someone from Ingo would be an experience that would change my life and open me to a whole new world.

4. Pretend you were from Ingo. How would you feel about divers invading your home?

I would feel angry and violated. I would want to know who the divers were, what they were doing in Ingo, and to deliver them a strong message that they were not welcome in my home. I would want to send them back to the Air. On the other hand, I would probably feel curious about why they would want to invade Ingo when they already have the Air and could live there easily without needing tanks of oxygen to survive.

5. What would you do if you were in Sapphy’s and Conor’s mom’s position? How would you deal with everything going on?

If I were in Sapphy’s and Conor’s mom’s position, I would be terribly worried about them and would be especially concerned about Sapphy who seemed to be acting strangely since Mathew’s disappearance. I would spend a great deal of time with Sapphy and Conor and would talk to them about their feelings and emotions. I would gently try to find out what was going on so that I could understand the situation and to help them deal with what was going on in their minds. Having already lost a husband, I would not want to lose my children as well. I would also make sure that somebody will be home to watch them while I was at work.

Journal Entry #2 - Chapter Three to Five

1. What point of view is your story told in?

My story is told in first person. It is from Sapphy’s point of view.

2. Is the point of view effective?

The point of view is effective as Sapphy appears to be most affected by her father’s disappearance. She can therefore provide the reader the greatest amount of feelings and description about Ingo and the story. Also, her personality is most akin to her father allowing her to be more drawn into Ingo. Sapphy has a wider imagination than her brother and can describe the magical world of Ingo better and in greater detail. Writing the story in first person gives the author a chance to let the story be told in Sapphy’s words, thoughts, and feelings.

3. What is one of the most important/memorable events that have happened so far? Think about that moment and re-tell it from another point of view. For example, if you were reading We All Fall Down as your Literature Circles novel you may re-write from Will’s fathers Point of View(min. 300 words)

(Pg. 44-49)

This is from Conor’s point of view.

“I guess I have to go now, Elvira. Sapphy will soon be wondering where I am. When can I tell Sapphy about Ingo?” I ask Elvira.

“Soon,” she replies. And before I can say anything, she disappears back down into Ingo.

I sit there with mixed emotions. Sad because I can’t tell Sapphy about Ingo. Also, I am scared of Ingo’s strange, mystical power. But, on the other hand, I feel ecstatic after my fascinating trip to Ingo. I’ve never felt this torn apart. I look down into the sea, wanting to jump in after Elvira and forget my troubles. Suddenly I hear a shout.

“Conor! CONOR!” I look up, and look all around. I hear somebody calling my name again. Squinting, I see a small figure at the cove, jumping up and down and waving the arms frantically. Realizing it is Sapphy, I wave back. She screams again and I can just make out “Conor, come back! Tea’s ready!”

As quickly as I can, I carefully jump from rock to rock to get back to the cove. I frown and wonder, “Does she know about Ingo?” Panicked thoughts run through my head.

“What are you doing here, Saph?” I ask her.

“Looking for you,” she replies. She looks as if she is scared and worried about me.

It’s not time for tea yet, is it?”

Sapphy glances down at her watch to look at the time. Her face suddenly screws up, as though she is about to cry. I quickly look down at her watch and it is not moving. Looking at Sapphy again, I see she is completely soaked.

“Oh, Saph. You went into the water with it on,” I almost groan.

“It’s broken,” she whispers, tears welling up in her eyes.

“Maybe it’ll be all right if we dry it out.,” I hear myself say, though I know it cannot be fixed.

Shaking her head, she repeats, “It’s broken, Conor.” Big tears roll down her face. I know how much the watch means to her as it was a present from dad.

“Don’t cry, Saph,” I say, trying to comfort her, “You didn’t mean to break it. But listen. You mustn’t come down here and swim on your own. You know we promised Mum we wouldn’t.”

Sapphy’s expression suddenly turns to anger, “What about you? Look at you, your hair’s all wet. You’ve been swimming with that girl, haven’t you?”

“What girl?” I reply, hoping she will believe that there is no one.

“What girl? The girl who was sitting on the rock talking to you, of course,” she replies indignantly.

Trying to put on my best “don’t argue with me” face, I say, “The trouble with you, Saph, is that you see one thing and then you imagine something else.”

“I don’t. I don’t make up stuff. I used to when I was little, but I don’t now. What are you doing out here then, Conor?” Sapphy counters.

“If you must know, I went swimming after I cleaned out the shed,” I retort, “Without you. I just need some space I guess.”

Disappointment flashes across her face making me feel awful. I quickly change the subject, “Why is it such a big deal?”

“Conor, it was this morning that you cleaned out the shed. It’s way past seven o’clock in the evening now. Probably past eight. You’re telling me you’ve been swimming for seven hours?”

“Seven hours!” I think to myself, “No! I was only gone for a short period of time!”

Seizing Sapphy’s wrist, I almost scream, “What? It can’t be that late. You must have been messing about with your watch.” I start shaking her watch, in the hope that it will work and she will be proven wrong.

“Get off me, Conor. It’s evening, can’t you see that? Look at the sun. Look how low it is.”

I slowly release her wrist and realize that she is right. The sun is sinking towards the horizon.

I feel like I am in a dream. There is no way I could have been gone that long! “Maybe I fell asleep,” I mutter.

Yet, Sapphy persists in trying to find out what I was doing, “You were talking to someone. I saw her. She must have gone off across the rocks. Who was she?”

I do not reply. Suddenly, I feel completely worn out. We walk slowly back to the house in silence.