THE YEAR OF THE CICADAS: Study Guide Questions
Section One: The Accident
- Are the Cicadas symbolic of the struggle that faces Bryant, James, Steve, Catie or someone else?
- Mother Nature and God are used interchangeably in the beginning; does it change later?
- Although you cannot see James’ injuries, he has been injured too; describe his injuries.
- James and Ace are misunderstood at first, how did this happen?
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Section Two: Miracles
- To what do you attribute Bryant’s survival?
- Who do you think the “man in the corner” is; what about the red eyed wolf?
- Catie, Bryant, James, Steve and the Cicadas are gathering strength, each in their own way. Discuss this.
- Who is discovering a new meaning for the word “family”?
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Section Three: Recovery
- The entire family buckles under the ripple effects, how so?
- Describe Bryant’s struggle to recover and be free.
- How is Caties’ perception of the Cicadas changing?
- Catie feels a real connection to nature during this time, why?
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Section Four: New Beginnings
- When Catie examines the “old” wood versus the “young” wood, is she talking only about the trees?
- Could Bryant’s “cliff” represent other obstacles found in life?
- How did Steve and Caties’ marriage change throughout the story?
- Do you feel the same way about the symbolism of the Cicadas as you did in Section One?
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