Room
To 5-year-old Jack, Room is the entire world. It is where he was born
and grew up; it's where he lives with his Ma as they learn and read and
eat and sleep and play. At night, his Ma shuts him safely in the
wardrobe, where he is meant to be asleep when Old Nick visits. Room is
home to Jack, but to Ma, it is the prison where Old Nick has held her
captive for seven years. Through determination, ingenuity, and fierce
motherly love, Ma has created a life for Jack. But she knows it's not
enough...not for her or for him. She devises a bold escape plan, one
that relies on her young son's bravery and a lot of luck. What she does
not realize is just how unprepared she is for the plan to actually work.
Told entirely in the language of the energetic, pragmatic 5-year-old
Jack, ROOM is a celebration of resilience and the limitless bond between
parent and child, a brilliantly executed novel about what it means to
journey from one world to another.
Discussion Questions -- please post your comments and answers on the blog at anytime.
Discussion Questions
1. Why do you think the entire book is told in Jack’s voice? Do you think it is effective?2. What are some of the ways in which Jack’s development has been stunted by growing up in Room? How has he benefited?
3. If you were Ma, what would you miss most about the outside world?
4. What would you do differently if you were Jack’s parent? Would you tell Jack about the outside world from the start?
5. If Ma had never given birth to Jack, what would her situation in Room be like?
6. What would you ask for, for Sundaytreat, if you were Jack? If you were Ma?
7. Describe the dynamic between Old Nick and Ma. Why does the author choose not to tell us Old Nick’s story?
8. What does joining the outside world do to Jack? To Ma?
9. What role do you think the media play in the novel?
10. In a similar situation, how would you teach a child the difference between the real world and what they watch on television?
11. Why are we so fascinated by stories of long-term confinement?
12. What were you most affected by in the novel?
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31 comments:
3. If you were Ma, what would you miss most about the outside world?
If I was Ma, I would definitely miss the sun. The sun, the grass, the trees- I'm not saying I'm anything close to an outdoorsman, but I can't imagine living a life seeing the world through a tiny sunroof.
11. Why are we so fascinated by stories of long-term confinement?
I think as a society so used to being SO CLOSE and INVOLVED with every part of every one else's lives that we crave silence, a different kind of silence and absence from the world that we feel like we ARE the only people in the world - that was pretty plainly spoken in the bits and pieces in the story that showed the talk-show and newscaster hosts talking about living as Ma and Jack did by CHOICE.
12. What were you most affected by in the novel?
I was most affected by Jack's contentment with living in the room, his ignorance and naïveté of the world was too much to snuff out that he WANTED to be back in the shed his mother was imprisoned in for most of her young life.
2. Jack was stunted physically by not being able to move around more and not getting enough food to eat, and socially he didn't know how to interact with anyone on the most basic level. Most children's development is based on all the stimuli that they are exposed to, and Jack had very few things available to him.
8. Both Ma and Jack were not able to deal with all the stimuli that most people are exposed to. Jack had no skills to deal with the emotions that he was feeling, and Ma was not much better.
12. I was most affected by the struggles that both Ma and Jack were experiencing trying to integrate back into the world. It's very difficult to imagine what Ma had to deal with being imprisoned for such a long time. They were both permanently changed--
1. I think the book was told from Jack's point of view because it was more interesting seeing how a child would react to this situation. When that's all you're exposed to, then you'd react different. Jack knew absolutely nothing other than what he was exposed to in Room. If it was told from Ma's point of view, I don't think we'd get as much of the little details that Jack would explain and told about. It was would just be how much she wanted to get out and how awful it was in there. I think it was effective because it's completely different from how it would be if it was from Ma's POV. I think it was more positive and gave more details.
2. Jack's growth had definitely been stunted because the only person he knew was Ma. He only knew how to talk to her and only knew all the lies of the outside world she was telling him. He couldn't communicate with other people very well at all, he knew no personal boundaries, he didn't really know common morals like not stealing, and he didn't even know there was a whole other world outside of Room.
3 If I were Ma, I would definitely miss just fresh air. I can't imagine not having it anymore
4. If I were Ma, I definitely would have told Jack about the outside world and how good it was. I feel like Jack was so upset about having to leave because he didn't even think all the cool things he saw on tv was real. If I was 5 years old and I knew all these cool things I liked were real, I'd be so happy to see them and discover more about them.
5. Even with having Jack, Ma had very bad depression. I feel like if she wouldn't have had Jack, she would have tried to take her life and actually succeeded. Jack gave her something to fight for.
6. If I were Jack, I'd ask for more toys like any 5 year old. If I were Ma, it would definitely be books.
7. Ma is definitely just a toy for Nick to use since he's lonely. I feel like we aren't told Nick's story because from Jack's POV, it isn't something we're really focused on.
8. Jack seems a little bit awkward out in the world because he dosen't understand how to act around people other than Ma. Ma seems overwhelmed but also relieved to have the little freedoms she had before. I think all the news of her family really got to her as well.
9. The media definitely heightened all of Ma's depression. I think it was very wrong with how they handled everything and how they talked about Ma giving Jack away?? That was all he knew. It's not like he knew necessarily what he was missing out and THAT WAS HER BABY. She took care of him very well for someone being in the situation. You can't expect a mother to just give up her baby.
10. That would be hard to teach them what's real and what's not. Living in the real world, we just know what can be real and what can't be. I would definitely try to show Jack that the cartoons are not real.
11. I think we like these stories so much because it's like an alien life form, It's so different from what we're used to and what we know. Also, many people love hearing about these crazy things that happen. It's grueling to hear about hem of course but it's just something about it makes you want to know more and more because it's so bizarre.
12. I was most effected by Ma trying to kill herself. I understand it must've been extremely hard to stay strong for 7 years with that awful man but you've got a child. It goes back to the point the reporter made that if you don't think you can handle a child, that child needs to be with people who know they can. When you become a parent, I think it's a commitment to take care of that child for as long as they need and her trying to kill herself and leave Jack isn't something she should have done. I understand completely that I know it;s hard to say that I wouldn't have any thoughts about that kind of thing in that situation but you need to be strong for your child.
I think the book was told from Jacks point of view because the author wanted us to see how certain situations have an affect on the child's mind. We get to see how every situation throughout Jack and his view on the environment. Jack's point view also brings a sense of innocence throughout the story, even though this book is based on such a dark plot line. If it would have been told from Ma's point of view, it would have been a very cynical point of view.
2. Jack's growth has been stunted mostly because of his social skills. He only knows Ma as the only real person in his life. Then there is the fact that he gives unanimate objects human qualities. So I definitely think Jack's growth has been stunted.
3.
If Ma I would definitely miss the outside air. The feeling of the air flowing through your hair, gives you a sense of freedom that Ma lacks.
4.
If I was Jack's parent I would definitely tell Jack about the outside world. I would make him believe in a better place out there, so that he doesn't have to constantly believe/think of darkness. Give him hope that there is a land where the air is fresh. That the things on Tv are real, and not just a fantasy.
5.
If Ma had never given birth to Jack, I believe that her world would have been darker and that she probably would be consumed to the point where she kills herself. Jack is a reason to keep going. He makes her answer questions and feel what it's like to have someone depend on you.
6.
If I were Ma my Sundaytreat would be a window being open or book. I'd want to be able feel fresh air and smell all the different smells in the air. Or I'd chose books because they are an escape for reality. If I was Jack I'd ask for toys like any other 5 year old.
7.
Ma is definitely some sort of creepy toy for Nick to play with. She is an object that Nick views as a source of entertainment. We don't know Nicks story because it's not really a main focus of the plot line.
8.
Overwhelms Ma but also relieves her because it is freedom. For Jack it makes him awkward because he's never experienced the outside world before.
9.
I think that the media played an almost antagonist role. They made Ma feel more depressed and worked her out to be careless. Stating she just gave Jack up.
10.
It would be hard to teach a child what is real and isn't real. One thing that would be less of a hard task is teaching Jack cartoons aren't real, that's easier.
11.
I think that we are so used to how society wants us to live, that we crave almost a rebellion. This book gives us that rebellion we need.
12.
I was most affected by Ma and Jack trying to get themselves back into the way of society. They were trying to find ways to fit in and overcome those that ridiculed them. It's almost like high school. Trying to fit in when others judge you for what you've been through. That has to be the toughest thing to do. Especially for Ma and Jack.
1.) I did not like the fact that "Room" was told from Jack's point of view. It was hard for me to understand at times what he was trying to say. "Ma" has created characters out of all objects in "Room." And Jack refers to them as though they are real, living, breathing, persons. There is "wardrobe" and "rug" and "plant" and "meltedy spoon". One page of this was bad enough, but it went on the entire book. I think Donoghue should of put Ma's point of view in the story as well.
2.) STUNTED: Jack has absolutely NO social skills due to only talking and interacting with Ma, Jack is physically smaller due to malnourishment and not the best immune-system. Jack is also unable to understand relationships. Yes, he has a very close relationship with Ma; but what about Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles etc. Finally, Jack does not know how to interact. Which can cause very bad emotional problems in the future.
BENEFITTED: Jack's relationship with his Ma is deeper and closer than most. Jack also seems to be very advanced with arithmetic and English (mostly reading). Finally, his ideas seem to be mature for his age.
3.) If I were Ma I'm sure that I would miss many, many things. When Joy was kidnapped she was around 17 or 19 years old. I'm sure she missed; her Family, Friends, Fresh air, Scenery, Safety, Freedom, Books, Photos, Pets, etc. It's so scary to think about all of the things you can lose in a matter of minutes or even seconds.
4.) This question is honestly difficult for me to answer. I would tell Jack about the outside world. All of the beauty that it holds like; Trees, Flowers, Springtime, Summertime, Clouds, Sunshine, Snowfall, Rain, A baby being born, A good book that makes you cry, Poetry, Love, and so much more. But, the world is also an awful place. Their situation was awful and horrifying. I would have told Jack about the beautiful things, but not the bad. It's sad that Ma had to keep 'outside' as an unknown so that Jack didn't know what he was missing and crave it and want it really badly, I think Ma wanted Jack to try to enjoy the little they had together.
5.) If Joy had never gave birth to Jack, her life in Room would be a suicide waiting to happen. Jack gives her something to really live for. If she were alone I think she would dwell on the past and always think about the things that she is missing out on. I know she was already depressed, but without Jack I'm sure her depression and anxiety would go through the roof. Jack saved her life.
6.) Jack: For Sunday treat I would ask for dress up clothes. Like princess dresses etc. I loved playing dress up when I was 5 years old. But, if I were a little boy I would ask for toys, lots of toys. Maybe a drum set or something.
Ma: Books, lots of books. So I could escape room for a little while. And, an electric piano. I can't live without playing my music.
7.) Ma will do anything that Old Nicks tells her to do; she is subservient, she will disobey Old Nick if Jack is involved in anyway shape or form.
Old Nick is mean, domineering, controlling, cruel and treats Ma like a sex slave. He does provide for her needs because he enjoys having somebody to control.
Old Nick's story would not add anything too important to the story; it would probably end up detracting from Jack and Ma's story. I was told enough to get a clear insight on him. As it is told from Jack's point of view, we can only be told what he knows about him and he does not know much.
8.) Jack: Joining the outside world scares Jack and absolutely terrifies him. At first, everything is so strange and has never been experienced before. Jack goes into a sort of sensory overload. He is not used to bright lights, and loud noises. Eventually Jack adapts as children are so good at doing.
Ma: At first I could tell that Ma was scared, but then the world eventually liberates her. It becomes easier for her to adjust because mostly everything is familiar. But she also has time to explore her true feelings from her captivity which causes a major breakdown.
9.) The media is necessary to this specific Novel. It adds authenticity to the story as this is what would happen if it were a true story. But Jack and Ma have a good team around them (family) who try and protect them from the worst the media can do. I think when the reporter interviewed Ma at the house, it was disgusting and heartbreaking. The reporter had no right to ask her such certain questions like how she could have raised Jack differently in Room.
10.) If I were in Ma's position and I was trying to teach my child what the "real world" was and what was just "TV" I would try my absolute best to do so. I think Ma tried her best to explain both of the topics to Jack as well. I think at 5 years old, it is hard to realize what is real and what is not real. Especially considering their situation in Room.
11.) I believe people are so fascinated by stories of long-term confinement because you see it a lot on the news, in the media, and on TV shows etc. People want to know more and more about what these people went through. (Especially the young ones who had been missing for years and years). It's terrifying and interesting that we are so interested in their personal stories. This book was particularly that way because Jack was born in confinement. Accounts of real-life confinement in the media are brought to mind and discussed while reading the Novel.
12.) I was affected by two major things in the Novel; One being how mature Jack was when he left Room. Second being all the things that were going through Ma's head and her wanting to end her life. (Attempted Suicide).
Jacks maturity was combined so well with his naivety. That people can endure so much and be OK. And can eventually go on.
Ma's story really made me emotional. She was kidnapped in High School and was locked up in Room for almost 8 years being raped by Old Nick. She had to leave her family and friends for a life consisting of nothing. She did not have the opportunity to graduate, fall in love, pursue a career, or experience happy unforgettable memories with the ones she loved. Not only was she in this tiny, tiny space, she gave birth to a child and had to raise that child to be normal and stable. Let's not forget that she still had a mind of a 17-19 year old. I can only imagine the responsibility put on her. Ma, is also smart. I don't think I would have ever been able to come up with an idea like she did by getting her and Jack to escape room. When she eventually left Room and tried to start her life over, I think she believed that all of this mess was her fault. That Jack would not be normal and stable because of her. This made her depressed and heartbroken. She thought she failed at being a mother. So, she tried to commit suicide like most people would do. Suicide is one of the worst things a person can do. If Ma would have actually died, there would just of been more and more heartbreak. I don't think that there was anymore room for heartbreak in this Novel.
I truly believe that Jack saved Ma, that they both saved themselves.
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