Nine Days | Chapter 1 : Kip

Kip woke up feeling...

• Hungry

• Bursting full of energy

• Apprehensive about the day ahead

• Annoyed

Why does Mr Husting give Kip a shilling?

• Because he feels sad for him.

• Because Charlie looks sos good.

• Because Mrs Husting told him to.

• Because he's his employer

Who calls Kip a "layabout"?

• Francis

• Mrs Husting

• Jean

• Macca

Francis is the older of the two brothers- but by how much?

• 7 minutes

• 7 days

• 2 years

• 7 seconds

Answer explanation

Kip wonders if his reputation as “chief layabout and squanderer of opportunities” in Richmond, their district of Melbourne, is a result of him being born seven minutes after Francis.

Why does Connie not give Kip any bacon for lunch?

• She's run out.

• Francis told her not to.

• He's a vegan.

• Jean says the meat is only for Francis.

Complete the quote: "And then. Disaster. Annabel Crouch...."

• leaves

• laughs

• smiles

• kisses me

Answer explanation

Kip thinks he’s doing pretty well talking to Annabel, until she smiles at him and he’s so overcome that he forgets how to swallow and nearly faints.

Mac in this chapter is seen as....

• A studious boy.

• A despicable bullly.

• A layabout.

• A goodfriend.

Jordan uses the simile to describe this reaction "holding her hands to the sides of her face like she's got a tooth ache, and she's screaming and screaming"

Who is this referring to?

• Connie

• Mrs Hustings

• Jean

• Mrs Keith

Answer explanation

Mrs. Keith’s absurd charge of Kip being perverted, causes Connie to step in and defend her brother. Connie provides Kip the motherly protection that ought to have come from Jean. What theme does this event most closely relate to?

• War

• Gender

• Unconventional family structures

• Interconnection

Answer explanation

This moment suggests that in an unconventional family structure, individuals may adapt and change roles as needed.

How is Jean presented by Kip in this chapter?

• A cruel mother who favours Francis above her other children.

• A hard working woman put in a difficult position.

• A kind and warm mother.

• A heart broken widow.

Answer explanation

Jean’s lack of confidence in and support of Kip seems also to extend to Connie, as evidenced by her noted doubt that Connie will be able to find herself a job outside the home. Once again, through Kip’s eyes, this suggests that Jean is a very poor mother indeed, only extending love and support to Francis, the favored child.