Sailmaker - National 5 - Act One Questions

Read Pages 6-7. What major event does Alec relive in flashback form? (1) 

Read pages 6-7. As a result of his religious teaching, what kind of sign does Alec half expect to see? (1) 

Read pages 6-7. How is Davie trying to cope with his grief? (1)

Read pages 6-7. What is a “tick man” and why does Alec prefer his father to be known as a sailmaker? (2)

Read Pages 6-7. Why does Alan Spence (the writer) repeat the phrase “My mother was dead”? Give as much detail as you can in your answer. (2)

Read pages 11-17. How do the Rangers references and the discussion of the holy medal show Glasgow’s religious bigotry? (2) 

Read pages 11-17. What reason does Davie give Alec for having a drink? Do you think this is the real reason? Explain. (3) 

Read pages 11-17. Why does Davie not repair the yacht immediately? (1) 

What is a “nom-de-plume” and why does Davie say he must use one when betting? (2) 

10. DAVIE: (Waves his line) But this could be worth a fortune! Three doubles, a treble, an accumulator.” 
    

Identify which two techniques are used in the above lines and explain what you think the effect of each one is:

• Metaphor

• Repetition

• Exclamation

• Listing